Tensions between the White House and Minneapolis escalated on Wednesday after President Trump issued a stern warning to Mayor Jacob Frey. The President took to Truth Social to blast the mayor for his comments on refusing to help with federal immigration crackdowns.
Trump said he was shocked by Frey’s public stance, especially after the two had recently spoken.
“Surprisingly, Mayor Jacob Frey just stated that, ‘Minneapolis does not, and will not, enforce Federal Immigration Laws,'” Trump wrote. He noted that this came after they had a “very good conversation.”
The President then turned up the heat, asking for someone to explain to Frey that his refusal is a serious violation of the law. Trump ended his message by saying the mayor is “PLAYING WITH FIRE!”
READ: Trump Sends ‘Massive Armada’ To Iran: ‘Time Is Running Out’
This clash comes at a sensitive time for the city. Minneapolis is currently under a spotlight following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen killed by Border Patrol agents.
An initial report from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that two officers fired their weapons during the encounter, though investigators are still working to determine if bullets from both officers struck Pretti.
To manage the fallout, Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” has taken direct control of ICE operations in Minnesota. Just a day before Trump’s angry post, Homan seemed optimistic.
He met with Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey on Tuesday and wrote on X that the meeting was a “productive starting point.” Homan said that while they don’t agree on everything, they shared a goal of getting criminals off the streets.
READ: Trump Calls For Calm As Border Czar Takes Charge In Minneapolis Shooting Fallout
President Trump had previously stated he wanted to “de-escalate” the situation in Minnesota and shifted his tone after earlier claims that enforcement sweeps were removing “thousands of hardened criminals.”
However, with the investigation into the shooting still ongoing and a new public fight with the mayor, finding common ground may be more difficult than expected.
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