Minneapolis Mayor Calls Federal Agents an 'Occupying Force'

Frey decries surge of immigration enforcement as creating fear and tension in the city

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:20am

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A photorealistic painting depicting a federal immigration enforcement vehicle parked on a quiet Minneapolis street, the vehicle's silhouette casting long shadows across the pavement as warm sunlight filters through the surrounding buildings, creating a sense of solemnity and unease.The influx of federal agents in Minneapolis has created an atmosphere of tension and fear, exposing the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties.Minneapolis Today

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is taking a strong stance against the federal government's immigration enforcement operations in his city, describing the influx of thousands of federal agents as an 'occupying force' that is not making the community safer. Frey argues the agents' presence is fueling fear and restricting First Amendment rights, while the Trump administration accuses him of stoking chaos and impeding their efforts.

Why it matters

The debate over the federal government's immigration crackdown and local officials' response is playing out in Minneapolis, raising questions about the balance between national security priorities and protecting civil liberties at the community level.

The details

In a TV interview, Frey expressed concerns about the surge of over 3,000 ICE agents and border control personnel descending on Minneapolis, saying 'it feels like an invasion.' He argues their presence is not improving public safety, but rather creating an atmosphere of tension. The potential deployment of 1,500 active-duty soldiers has also sparked protests. Frey stands firm that First Amendment rights should not be confined to designated protest zones, as tens of thousands of residents are peacefully exercising their freedoms.

  • The federal government has sent thousands of immigration enforcement agents to Minneapolis in recent weeks.
  • The Trump administration is considering deploying 1,500 active-duty soldiers to the city.

The players

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis who has taken a vocal stance against the federal government's immigration enforcement operations in his city.

Kristi Noem

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary who has called for collaboration between federal and local authorities.

Tim Walz

The governor of Minnesota who, along with Frey, is under federal investigation for allegedly impeding immigration agents.

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What they’re saying

“When you have 3,000 ICE agents and border control descending on a city, it feels like an invasion.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis

“This kind of thing happens in other countries, but it cannot happen in America.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis

What’s next

The judge in the federal investigation into Frey and Governor Walz will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the agents to continue their operations in Minneapolis.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local officials' concerns about protecting civil liberties and community trust. The debate in Minneapolis reflects a broader national conversation about the appropriate balance between national security and preserving the rights of citizens.