Minneapolis Mayor: Trump’s Invoking Insurrection Act Would Be ‘Shocking’
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed strong disapproval regarding President Donald Trump’s potential use of the Insurrection Act. In an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Frey stated that deploying military forces to Minnesota would be “a shocking step.”
Current Crime Trends in Minneapolis
Frey highlighted recent data showing a decrease in crime rates across several categories, including vandalism, theft, and weapons violations. “We don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe. We are safe,” he asserted.
However, amid these declines, certain types of crime, such as assault offenses and motor vehicle theft, have seen an uptick in the past 28 days.
Response from the White House
Following Frey’s remarks, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused him of prioritizing “criminal illegal aliens” over law-abiding citizens. Jackson condemned Frey’s statements against law enforcement, claiming they incite violence.
Trump recently threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to address what he labeled as “professional agitators and insurrectionists.” In preparation for possible federal action, about 1,500 active-duty troops from the 11th Airborne Division have been put on alert to deploy to Minnesota if necessary.
Comments from Government Officials
A Pentagon notification described this troop preparation as “prudent planning.” Although details on Trump’s intentions remain unclear, a White House official noted that it is standard practice for the Department of War to be prepared for any presidential decision.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on Fox News that the President may soon need to order action concerning the Insurrection Act and reaffirmed the administration’s support for maintaining citizen safety.
Investigation into Minneapolis Leaders
Recent reports revealed that the Justice Department is investigating Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz under suspicions of hindering federal immigration enforcement. Frey maintained that he has not received a subpoena but expressed concern over such governmental targeting.
Both Frey and Walz have criticized the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, notably after the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer. Following Good’s death, Frey publicly demanded that ICE cease operations within the city.
Calls for ICE to Leave Minneapolis
During his interview, Frey reiterated his call for the agency to depart, emphasizing that this move could enhance safety and foster peace. “If the goal is safety, if the goal is maintaining a peace, I’ll tell you, there’s a very good antidote to some of the danger we’ve been seeing, and it’s just to have ICE leave,” he stated.
This ongoing situation highlights the tension between local leadership in Minneapolis and the federal government regarding law enforcement and immigration policies.
