Minneapolis Mayor Denies Deal to Remove ICE from City

Frey says no agreement was made with federal officials to end immigration enforcement presence.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) has denied that any deal was struck with federal border enforcement officials to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the city. Frey stated that the city's position has remained consistent - they will cooperate with federal agencies to target violent criminals, but will not assist in enforcing federal immigration policies.

Why it matters

The presence of federal immigration enforcement in local communities has been a source of tension, with some cities seeking to limit cooperation. Frey's comments push back on suggestions that a deal was made, underscoring the city's stance on balancing public safety and immigration enforcement.

The details

In an interview, Frey said he had 'productive meetings' with Border Czar Tom Homan, but that 'as far as some deal that was struck to get them out, the answer is no.' Frey reiterated the city's position of working with federal agencies on violent crime, while refusing to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws.

  • Frey made the comments during a February 12, 2026 interview on the MS NOW program 'All In'.

The players

Jacob Frey

The Democratic mayor of Minneapolis who has taken a stance against cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in the city.

Tom Homan

The former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who was serving as the Trump administration's 'border czar' during this time period.

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What they’re saying

“Our position has remained the same throughout, and I've been saying this for months, if not years, which is this we will work with the federal government to catch murderers and rapists and people that are causing danger in our city. We will work extensively with the DEA and the ATF and the FBI to put people like that behind bars. We will not, however, cooperate on enforcing federal immigration policy. Period.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (MS NOW)

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, as cities like Minneapolis seek to balance public safety concerns with limiting cooperation on deportation efforts.