Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has accused the US federal government of invading his city, as a massive surge of immigration officers and the potential deployment of active-duty soldiers escalates tensions following a fatal police shooting.
Federal 'Invasion' Amidst Growing Protests
The Democratic mayor made the stark declaration on Sunday 18 January 2026, telling CNN he never imagined the city would be "invaded by our own federal government." His comments come as approximately 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents have been sent to Minneapolis. Furthermore, The Washington Post reported late on Saturday that defence officials are preparing 1,500 active-duty soldiers for possible deployment to Minnesota.
This unprecedented federal law enforcement presence is a response to ongoing protests, now in their second week, over the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Good was shot and killed in her car by an ICE agent, an act which Trump administration officials have defended, claiming the agent's life was at risk.
Political Standoff and Investigations
Mayor Frey and Minnesota's Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, are now reportedly facing a Department of Justice investigation for allegedly obstructing federal immigration authorities. Frey stated he had not been officially informed, suggesting any targeting would be a result of him performing his basic duty to speak for the city. "The best way to get safety is not to have an influx of even more agents and in this case, military, to Minneapolis," Frey argued, calling the act one of intimidation.
The state has been a focus of ramped-up immigration enforcement since the start of the year, linked to an alleged fraud ring involving day-cares. The White House crackdown has included:
- Restricting visa applications.
- Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals.
- Agents conducting "door-to-door" searches for undocumented immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security claims over 2,500 arrests have been made.
Trump's Response and Rising Tensions
Former President Donald Trump responded to the protests and legal challenges from Minnesota officials on his Truth Social platform. He defended ICE's actions, stating they were removing "some of the most violent criminals in the World" and questioned why the state would resist. He also labelled protesters as "highly paid professional agitators and anarchists."
The situation remains volatile, with the spectre of the Insurrection Act being invoked and the potential for military deployment marking a severe escalation in the standoff between local Minnesota leadership and the federal government.
