Minneapolis mayor slams ICE as ‘bullies,’ warns other leaders 'it will be your city that is next'

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged fellow mayors to resist the Trump administration's federal immigration enforcement operations, claiming agents make the city "less safe."

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey prepares to address the U.S. Conference of Mayors 94th Winter Meeting, Thursday, in Washington, D.C. (Reuters/Annabelle Gordon)

He added crime is down in "virtually every category" and "virtually every neighborhood" in Minneapolis, blaming federal agents for making the city "less safe."

"It is less safe when chaos reigns supreme," Frey said, arguing the federal presence has left families fearful of everyday activities.

The mayor called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to end "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis, and immigration enforcement nationwide, alleging "never once" had he made the issue partisan.

"This is not even about immigration. This is about silencing a narrative or a political position that differs from that of the federal administration," Frey said. "We've seen this kind of conduct in other countries, we cannot see it right here in America. This is not a Democratic or a Republican issue. Never once have I made this partisan. 

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to the press after addressing the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Thursday, in Washington, D.C. (Reuters/Annabelle Gordon)

Homan called his meeting Thursday with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison "very productive," with Ellison agreeing to notify ICE when local jails release violent illegal immigrants.

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The border czar also urged local leaders to limit "hostile rhetoric," as recent unrest in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of Minnesota residents Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of federal law enforcement.

Though Frey remains in D.C., he told reporters he does not have a meeting planned with President Donald Trump on Thursday, and will meet with other elected officials at the Capitol.

Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/minneapolis-mayor-slams-ice-bullies-warns-leaders-will-be-your-city-next