Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Wednesday that the city is facing an “impossible situation” amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity, warning that residents are pressuring local police officers to confront Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on the street.
Frey made the remarks during a Wednesday night press conference following a shooting involving an ICE agent earlier in the day. Footage of the press conference, including the police chief’s reaction, has circulated widely on social media.
“What I can tell you for certain is that this is not sustainable,” Frey said. “This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in. At the same time, we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe, to protect our neighbors, to maintain order.” He would additionally say, “Imagine if your city or town was invaded by thousands of federal agents that do not share the values that you hold dear.”
Frey said the city is dealing with competing demands placed on its limited police force as federal immigration operations continue.
“We’re in a position right now where we have residents that are asking the very limited number of police that we have to fight ICE agents on the street, to stand by their neighbors,” Frey said. “We cannot be at a place right now in America where we have two governmental entities that are literally fighting one another.”
During the press conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara appeared visibly surprised when Frey referenced residents urging police to confront federal agents. Footage showing the chief’s reaction has been widely shared online.
Following the remarks, multiple political and media organizations responded on social media. Breitbart News posted video of the exchange, highlighting Frey’s statement and the police chief’s reaction. RNC Research also shared video clips, disputing claims that Frey had encouraged violence and pointing to his statement that he had called only for peace.
Minneapolis Mayor Frey wants police officers "to fight ICE agents on the streets."
The chief of police's reaction is priceless… pic.twitter.com/OxcULwM5qW
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) January 15, 2026
Frey has previously called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to leave Minneapolis, arguing that federal enforcement actions are creating instability in the city. Speaking Wednesday, he reiterated that position, saying immigration enforcement operations are not improving public safety.
Frey said the city is attempting to maintain order while navigating what he claimed as conflicting responsibilities between local and federal authorities. “We’re trying to keep people safe,” he said, adding that the current situation is creating strain on local resources.
Federal officials have announced no changes to immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis.
