Jacob Frey marches with protesters against ICE despite harsh cold, says 'that’s who we are'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey took to the city streets in subzero temperatures on Saturday, January 24, marching alongside thousands of demonstrators protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city.

Known for his long-standing opposition to ICE operations, Frey made a visible show of solidarity by joining the rally in person. The protest followed heightened political tensions after Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit to Minnesota, where he defended federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Despite freezing weather conditions, turnout remained strong. Frey later shared images from the rally on X, formerly known as Twitter, praising protesters for showing up despite temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees. Senator Amy Klobuchar also attended the demonstration and posted photos from the march.

Jacob Frey marches with protesters amid growing criticism of ICE 

Mayor Frey has repeatedly criticized ICE activity in Minneapolis, and his opposition has sharpened in recent weeks following the killing of Renee Nicole Good. On Friday, he brought his message directly to the streets, joining demonstrators calling for an end to ICE operations in the city.

Sharing images from the rally, Frey highlighted the resolve of those who participated. “It’s minus 10 degrees, and thousands still showed up strong in Minneapolis. That’s who we are,” he wrote.

Frey was seen wearing heavy winter gear as he marched alongside protesters holding signs demanding ICE leave Minneapolis. Several placards criticized federal enforcement practices, while others called for broader immigration reform.

Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed the sentiment in her own post, writing, “Today we marched together in below zero weather. Thanks to the thousands and thousands of Minnesotans who turned out to stand up and speak out. ICE OUT."

Jacob Frey responds after JD Vance defends ICE during Minnesota visit 

The protest followed Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the state, where he defended ICE agents and urged demonstrators to protest peacefully. Frey acknowledged overlap in messaging but drew a sharp line on enforcement tactics.

“JD Vance is taking a whole lot of my talking points, but not all of them,” Frey said, adding that peaceful protest does not include “spraying irritants and chemicals on peaceful protesters.”

Frey went on to describe what he characterized as troubling enforcement actions, including the detention of children, pregnant women, and US citizens. “They are arresting people who have done nothing wrong,” he said, alleging individuals were targeted based on appearance rather than evidence.

Following Vance’s visit, Frey reiterated support for addressing serious crime while criticizing large-scale federal deployments. He said Minneapolis has worked productively with previous federal administrations to reduce crime and hold violent offenders accountable.

“We want to arrest murderers. Let’s do it,” Frey said. “But sending agents into communities and detaining people who aren’t criminals makes our city less safe.”