Initially there appeared to be some agreement and understanding. Then things took a sharp turn.
President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday after the Democrat mayor publicly announced that the city would not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump said Mayor Frey is “PLAYING WITH FIRE,” expressing clear frustration that the mayor’s comments came immediately after what Trump described as a productive and respectful conversation between the two leaders.
“Surprisingly, Mayor Jacob Frey just stated that Minneapolis does not, and will not, enforce Federal Immigration Laws. This is after having had a very good conversation with him,” President Trump wrote.
The president went on to warn that such a declaration could carry serious legal consequences, urging those close to the mayor to explain the gravity of openly defying federal law.
“Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!” Trump added.
Frey Pushes Back on Immigration Enforcement
Mayor Frey quickly responded, doubling down on Minneapolis’ refusal to assist with immigration enforcement. In a post on X, Frey argued that local police should focus exclusively on violent crime and public safety, rather than working with federal immigration authorities.
According to the mayor, enforcing immigration law could discourage residents from contacting emergency services, a claim frequently made by officials in so-called “sanctuary cities.”
Frey attempted to justify his position by referencing past policing policies under former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, though critics argue that comparison ignores major differences in today’s border crisis.
Meeting With Trump’s Border Czar Sparks Fallout
The public clash followed a meeting just one day earlier between Frey, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan.
In a series of social media posts, Frey described the meeting as “productive” but said he pressed federal officials to end “Operation Metro Surge,” a Trump administration effort aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement in the region.
Frey claimed the operation has strained local law enforcement and created division within the community. Despite the meeting, the mayor made it clear that Minneapolis would not reverse its stance.
“I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws,” Frey stated, adding that city leadership would continue discussions with federal officials.
Immigration Tensions Rise as Enforcement Expands
The dispute underscores the widening divide between the Trump administration and Democrat-led cities that openly resist federal immigration law. President Trump has repeatedly argued that sanctuary policies undermine public safety, weaken the rule of law, and place American citizens at risk.
The debate has intensified following recent federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this month. The incidents have drawn national attention and renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement, local cooperation, and accountability.
As President Trump continues his aggressive push to secure the border and restore immigration enforcement, clashes with defiant local leaders appear increasingly unavoidable — and Minneapolis is quickly becoming a flashpoint in that national fight.
