President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday morning. He asserted that the Mayor is "playing with fire" by refusing to enforce federal immigration laws. The President’s comments follow a meeting between Frey and Border Czar Tom Homan on Tuesday.
Trump expressed surprise at Frey’s public defiance following what he called a "very good conversation." He suggested that someone in the Mayor’s "inner sanctum" needs to explain the legal gravity of the situation. "This statement is a very serious violation of the Law," the President warned on Truth Social.
Mayor Frey quickly fired back on X, defending his city’s non-cooperation policy. He argued that the job of local police is to prevent homicides, not to "hunt down" working fathers. Frey even compared his stance to policies once held by former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
"Everyone should feel safe calling 911," Frey asserted in his response. He reiterated his demand for "Operation Metro Surge" to end as quickly as possible. The Mayor believes that federal tactics are creating fear and division in Minneapolis communities.
The standoff comes as the Trump administration prepares a massive funding cutoff for sanctuary jurisdictions. Starting February 1, the President plans to halt federal payments to cities that obstruct ICE operations. Critics have already labeled the move unconstitutional, but the White House remains undeterred.
White House officials clarified that they are not asking local police to act as federal agents. They simply want the city to honor ICE detainers and share information on criminal aliens. "It’s safer for EVERYONE, but you refuse," a White House-affiliated account posted in response to Frey.
Tensions in the Twin Cities have reached a boiling point after two fatal shootings by federal agents this month. The deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti have sparked widespread protests and calls for "resistance." Despite the unrest, the President is doubling down on his "law and order" mission.
Border Czar Tom Homan emphasized that the federal surge is aimed at public safety and removing "the worst of the worst." He met with Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara to discuss the "serious negative impacts" of city-wide non-compliance. Homan warned that the federal presence will remain as long as criminals are protected by local policy.
The clash over sanctuary status is set to intensify as the February deadline approaches. While Frey claims he is protecting his neighbors, Trump insists the Mayor is endangering them. Both sides appear ready for a high-stakes legal and political showdown.