President Donald Trump spoke directly with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Monday. He issued a forceful demand for state and local law enforcement to end their "resistance." Trump wants local officers to "work together peacefully" with federal authorities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt detailed the call during a briefing. She said the President's goal is to restore law and order and finally "let cops be cops." The administration blames Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for recent deadly unrest.
Leavitt outlined a "clear and simple path" to end the current chaos. The President’s first demand requires Minnesota leaders to turn over all incarcerated illegal aliens. This includes anyone with active warrants or known criminal histories.
"It is President Trump's hope and wish and demand for the resistance and chaos to end today," Leavitt stated. She argued that ICE and local police should work together effectively as they do in other states. The administration insists this cooperation is the only way to ensure public safety.
Trump also demanded that local police be allowed to transfer arrested illegal aliens to federal custody. Finally, he called for local help in apprehending criminals wanted by federal agencies. Leavitt warned that if these measures aren't met, federal surges will continue.
Governor Walz acknowledged the "productive" phone call but quickly pivoted to a defensive stance. He claimed the White House does not have its "facts straight" about his state. In a defiant op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Walz accused the federal government of "organized brutality."
Walz denied that state jails are releasing "the worst of the worst" onto the streets. He insisted the Department of Corrections already notifies ICE about non-citizen releases. "There is not a single documented case of the department’s releasing someone... without offering a smooth transfer," Walz wrote.
The President is also calling on Congress to pass a federal ban on sanctuary cities. These policies currently prohibit local law enforcement from working with federal immigration agents. Trump believes these bans are necessary to end the "formula for disaster" seen in Minneapolis.
As the standoff continues, federal agents remain on the ground to address immigration fraud. Reports of agents being maimed by violent mobs have only strengthened the President's resolve. The administration maintains that sanctuary policies protect criminals rather than the public.