Democrats can’t explain their actions. Not a good sign.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey struggled to explain this week why he opposes a federal immigration enforcement policy that was actively used during the Obama administration — but is now condemned because it is being enforced by President Donald Trump.
Frey appeared Wednesday on CNN’s The Arena with Kasie Hunt, where he criticized the Trump administration after roughly 700 federal law enforcement officers were withdrawn from Minneapolis. The pullback followed two deadly shootings last month involving federal officers, raising questions about cooperation from local officials.
During the interview, Frey accused the Trump administration of applying improper pressure on cities to assist with immigration enforcement. However, Hunt quickly noted that the very policies Frey now rejects were once embraced under former President Barack Obama.
Hunt pointed out that during the Obama years, the Hennepin County Jail allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to maintain an office inside the facility and interview inmates — a level of cooperation Democrats now describe as unacceptable when requested by Republicans.
She pressed the mayor on whether it is reasonable for jails to honor ICE detainers after inmates have completed their sentences for crimes committed against Minnesota residents. Hunt emphasized that these transfers occur only after offenders have already served their court-ordered time.
Frey avoided a direct answer, repeatedly claiming the matter was outside the city’s authority. He suggested federal officials should pursue additional warrants if they want continued detention, arguing that holding someone after release could raise legal concerns.
Meanwhile, President Trump addressed the situation in an interview with NBC News, saying he did not want to withdraw federal officers from a Democrat-run state but framed the move as part of a broader dispute over the handling of illegal immigrant criminals.
Trump also said his administration is refining how arrests are conducted while remaining firm on public safety.
“We can approach this with more restraint,” Trump said, “but when it comes to violent offenders, strength and resolve are still required.”
The president added that he personally contacted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey, describing the conversations as productive — before watching both leaders publicly criticize his administration afterward.
“I called the governor, I called the mayor, had great conversations,” Trump said. “Then I see them out there ranting and raving, like the call never happened.”
For many conservatives, the moment highlights a growing political double standard: immigration enforcement was acceptable under Obama, but suddenly portrayed as extreme when enforced by President Trump.
