Fox News host presses Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over praise of ICE protesters in heated exchange

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defended his remarks praising protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a tense interview on Fox News on Wednesday, January 14.

The exchange followed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during a federal ICE operation in the city on January 7.

The incident had sparked widespread protests and drew criticism from federal officials. Frey’s remarks praising demonstrators and condemning ICE have intensified the debate over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.

The shooting and its aftermath remain under investigation.

Mayor Jacob Frey defends protesters after video footage raised questions

During the interview, Frey was questioned about his public praise of protesters who demonstrated against ICE operations in Minneapolis.

Footage aired during the segment showed demonstrators confronting ICE agents, shouting “shame,” blocking federal vehicles, and at times standing directly in the path of law enforcement activity.

The interviewer, Griff Jenkins, noted that while Frey had described the protesters as “heroes” exercising their First Amendment rights, some demonstrations appeared to go beyond lawful protest.

The mayor was asked to respond to scenes showing individuals obstructing ICE vehicles and engaging in confrontations with agents.

“So that’s just a sampling of it, you’re seeing it in real time,” the interviewer said, adding that federal law made it a crime to impede or interfere with officers during enforcement actions.

Frey acknowledged the footage but emphasized that most demonstrations have remained peaceful.

“We have had perhaps tens of thousands of people peacefully protesting in the streets,” he said. “At the same time, yeah, they are going to stand up for their neighbors.”

He added that the protests were driven by concerns over ICE conduct, stating, “What we are seeing time and time again is unconstitutional conduct by ICE.”

Frey argued that while ICE operations and the city’s separation ordinance had existed for decades, the current enforcement approach represented a shift under the Trump administration.

Shooting sparks protests and sharp criticism of ICE 

The interview followed the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed by a federal ICE agent on January 9 during an enforcement operation on a residential street in Minneapolis.

Federal officials said that Good attempted to strike officers with her vehicle, describing the act as “domestic t*******m.” Witnesses and local leaders disputed that characterization, saying that she was attempting to leave as agents surrounded her car.

The shooting prompted large demonstrations across the city. At a press conference earlier this week, Frey praised protesters, saying, “We’ve got heroes that are standing up for each other. They’re standing by the neighbors that they love.”

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Frey issued a profane rebuke of ICE, telling federal agents to “get the f**k out of Minneapolis.”

He later defended the remark during an appearance on NBC News’ 'Meet the Press'. “To those that are offended, I’m sorry I offended their delicate ears,” Frey said. “But as far as who inflamed the situation, you know, I dropped an f-bomb. And they killed somebody.”