01/07/2026
A political firestorm erupted in Minneapolis after Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey delivered a crude and explosive message aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just hours after federal agents were reportedly attacked during an operation in the city. The mayor’s remarks, blunt and emotional, quickly spread online and triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
In the message, Frey reportedly told ICE to “get the f*** out of Minneapolis,” adding, “We do not want you here… Somebody is dead. That’s on you.” The timing of the statement—coming so soon after violence involving federal agents—has intensified criticism, with opponents accusing the mayor of inflaming tensions rather than showing leadership during a volatile moment.
Law enforcement advocates argue that language from elected officials matters, especially after an attack, and warn that publicly blaming federal agents before investigations are complete risks encouraging hostility and undermining public safety. Some critics say the comments cross a line, turning political disagreement into reckless rhetoric.
Supporters of Mayor Frey, however, defend his remarks as an expression of long-standing frustration with ICE’s presence in Minneapolis. They argue that aggressive immigration enforcement has strained community trust, frightened immigrant families, and led to confrontations that put lives at risk. To them, the mayor’s words reflect anger over loss of life, not support for violence.
As investigations into the attack continue, Frey’s comments have become a national flashpoint—raising broader questions about leadership, accountability, and how far political rhetoric should go when tragedy strikes and emotions run high.