Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he is ‘proud’ of ‘peaceful’ community response to ICE presence

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that he is ‘proud’ of how community members have responded to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city, citing widespread peaceful protests and neighbor-to-neighbor support as tensions over federal immigration enforcement remain high. 

Frey made the remarks during a CNN town hall focused on the impact of federal immigration operations in Minneapolis and the broader political fallout surrounding enforcement actions this winter.

The CNN town hall addressed recent developments in Minnesota and was moderated by Sara Sidner and Anderson Cooper.

Jacob Frey praises peaceful Minneapolis protests amid ICE tensions

“I have never been prouder to be from Minneapolis,” Frey said during the event, referring to the efforts of residents amid ongoing protests and federal operations. “We’ve seen tens of thousands of people peacefully, peacefully protesting in the street.”

“We’ve seen neighbors standing up for neighbors,” he said, outlining what he described as positive community actions in response to increased federal activity.

The town hall took place against the backdrop of heightened debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics following fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and consequent protests throughout the city

Mayor highlights community resilience and mutual aid

While discussing the plight of Minneapolis residents, Frey also spoke about how people have shown up for one another.

“We’ve seen people drop off groceries and food to families that are otherwise terrified to go outside.” “We’ve seen people escort their neighbors to work because they’ve got to be able to pay the bills and pay rent,” the mayor said.

Frey told the town hall audience that Minneapolis has endured ‘heartbreak’ in recent weeks but has also demonstrated ‘grit and perseverance’ amid controversy surrounding local and federal law enforcement relations.

He said residents’ efforts to support one another reflect a shared sense of purpose during a time of dispute and uncertainty.

The city has been a place of “heartbreak,” but it “is also a place of grit and perseverance,” the mayor said. “We’ve been through it all over these last five years, but Minneapolis is a shining example of a city that is standing up for America,” Frey added.

Frey pointed out that many of the demonstrations have remained peaceful, with neighbors stepping up to help one another, especially in areas where ICE activity has left immigrant communities on edge.

He spoke about residents volunteering to walk neighbors to work or dropping off food for families too worried about federal raids to leave their homes. While federal and local relations remain strained, Frey’s town hall comments underscored support from many Minneapolis residents for grassroots efforts to address community needs and organize peaceful demonstrations.