Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is suddenly discovering the value of “peace.” Yes, that same mayor who just days ago told ICE to “get the f--- out” of his city is now urging calm after yet another violent incident tied to the ongoing immigration enforcement chaos.
The tone shift came after an illegal immigrant from Venezuela was shot in the leg by a federal agent following what authorities say was an ambush involving a snow shovel. Nothing says “sustainable public safety plan” quite like attacking a federal agent with yard equipment, right?
Standing before reporters at a late-night press conference, Frey declared, “I’m calling for peace,” adding that everyone has a role to play in achieving it. A noble sentiment—just a bit late, some might say, considering the mayor’s earlier rhetoric practically poured gasoline on an already raging fire.
Despite his sudden call for calm, Frey doubled down on his long-standing opposition to ICE, again demanding the agency leave Minneapolis. He described the situation as “not sustainable” and claimed the city is being forced into an “impossible situation,” where residents expect a limited police force to confront federal agents in the streets. Somehow, this reality only became clear after tensions exploded.
Frey went on to accuse ICE and Border Patrol agents of “creating chaos,” conveniently glossing over the fact that protesters have confronted agents—sometimes violently—while carrying out enforcement operations under the Trump administration. He even labeled ICE’s conduct “disgusting and intolerable,” a strong accusation from a mayor now insisting he’s always promoted peace.
In a moment of irony that could only happen in modern politics, Frey urged protesters not to “take the bait” from President Donald Trump. According to the mayor, reacting angrily doesn’t help undocumented immigrants or the people who call Minneapolis home. That’s a far cry from last week’s profanity-laced outburst following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, when Frey publicly told ICE they were not wanted in the city.
On Wednesday, Frey insisted he has never engaged in violent rhetoric, challenging critics to point out a single instance where he encouraged anything but peace. Memory can be a funny thing—especially when press conferences are recorded.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security stated that the federal agent involved in the recent shooting opened fire after the suspect fled a traffic stop and then beat the agent with a snow shovel. Facts, inconvenient as they may be, have a habit of resurfacing.
President Trump, for his part, made it clear he’s not interested in watching lawlessness spiral out of control. On Thursday, he warned that if local authorities fail to restore order, he would invoke the Insurrection Act—a move taken by many presidents before him—to protect ICE agents and end what he called a “travesty” in what was once a great state. Strong leadership, plain and simple.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded by asking Trump to “turn the temperature down,” but the president’s message was equally direct: enforce the law, stop the agitators, honor immigration detainers, and work with ICE to remove criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota’s streets.
At the end of the day, this situation highlights a clear contrast. On one side, confused local leadership that swings from profanity to peace pleas in a matter of days. On the other, a president willing to stand by law enforcement and uphold the rule of law. And despite the noise and theatrics, that commitment to order and safety remains a positive reminder that America still has leaders ready to do the job—no shovel required.
