Despite a friendly phone call between President Donald Trump and Governor Tim Walz earlier this week to “cool down” tensions, the fight over federal agents in Minnesota flared up again on Thursday.
While Governor Walz and President Trump discussed a potential truce on Monday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey took a defiant stand during a speech in Washington, D.C., signaling that the conflict is far from over.
“We Won’t Be Intimidated”
Speaking at the US Conference of Mayors on Thursday, Mayor Frey did not hold back. He described the federal presence in his city as a “siege” and accused the administration of weaponizing the Department of Justice against local leaders.
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“In Minneapolis, we’ve heard them say they will end this siege when we hand over voter rolls,” Frey told the crowd of city leaders. “They’re investigating me and several other local elected officials… because we have exhibited one of the core responsibilities we have as mayors – speaking on behalf of your constituents.”
Frey also brushed off Trump’s previous warning that the city was “playing with fire” by refusing to assist with federal deportations.
“Our police officers will do their jobs,” Frey told reporters. “They’re not going to do somebody else’s job.”
He ended with a warning to other mayors: “If we do not speak up… it will be your city that is next.”
Shake-Up at the Top
The Mayor’s fiery comments come just as the Trump administration was aiming to adjust the strategy on the ground.
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Gregory Bovino, the top Border Patrol official leading the crackdown in Minneapolis, left the city. He and several agents returned to their home sectors, effectively removing the face of the operation.
Insiders say President Trump was frustrated by the chaotic fallout from last Saturday’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Bovino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced heavy criticism for claiming Pretti was a “domestic terrorist” who planned a “massacre”—claims that were not supported by video evidence and were walked back by other officials.
A Fragile Peace?
To repair the damage, Trump sent his “border czar,” Tom Homan, to take over operations in Minneapolis. This move was meant to support the agreement made on Monday, where Trump told Governor Walz he would look into reducing the number of agents and focusing only on “the worst of the worst” criminals. RELATED: Border Czar Tom Homan Drops Surprise Update On Minnesota ICE Raids After Meeting With Walz
Trump called the Monday talk a “very good call,” and Walz expressed hope for a return to “calm and peace.”
But with Mayor Frey’s refusal to back down on Thursday, it remains to be seen if the new leadership change will actually lower the temperature in Minneapolis.
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