Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly declared his refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities on deportations, emphasizing the city's commitment to protecting its undocumented residents. This announcement comes on the heels of nationwide immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the first weekend of President Trump's second term, resulting in the apprehension of over 1,200 individuals with criminal records.

In a press conference, Mayor Frey expressed solidarity with undocumented individuals, stating, "We love you. We care about you. In Minneapolis, we will stand up for you and use every available resource to assist you because you are not aliens; you are our neighbors." He outlined the city's "separation ordinance," which prohibits city officials and police officers from collecting information regarding immigration status. Consequently, the city lacks data on documentation status and will not cooperate with ICE's enforcement of federal immigration laws. Mayor Frey affirmed that the Minneapolis Police Department will focus solely on enforcing state and local laws.

This stance directly contradicts the Trump administration's renewed emphasis on immigration enforcement. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently issued a stern warning to individuals considering illegal entry, asserting that they would face detention and deportation under the current administration. Leavitt underscored the administration's commitment to removing violent criminals from communities, claiming that this enhances public safety.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey opposes federal deportation policy. (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP, File)

ICE headquarters is responsible for enforcing deportations. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)