President Donald Trump is standing firmly behind federal law enforcement efforts in Minneapolis, saying crime has dropped sharply after what he described as the removal of “thousands of criminals” from the city. According to Trump, when you actually enforce the law, something amazing happens: fewer criminals, less crime. Shocking, right?
In an interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas that aired Sunday, Trump said crime in Minneapolis is down between 25% and 30%, crediting tougher enforcement and the removal of hardened offenders from the area.
“The crime numbers in Minnesota, in Minneapolis in particular, are down 25, 30% because we've removed thousands of criminals from the area,” Trump said. “These are hardened criminals… Most of them came in through an open border, and we've done a great job.”
The federal push, known as Operation Metro Surge, sent thousands of immigration agents into Minneapolis and St. Paul. The operation led to thousands of arrests and, unsurprisingly, also triggered resident resistance and public outrage—because nothing stirs controversy quite like criminals being arrested.
Trump didn’t stop with Minneapolis. He pointed to other major cities as proof that his administration’s approach works when allowed to do its job.
“Look at Washington, D.C.,” Trump said. “It's like a safe city. You can walk to the White House. You don't have to take an armored vehicle.”
He also highlighted New Orleans and Memphis as examples of rapid results.
“Look at what happened in Louisiana,” Trump said. “I got a call from the governor, ‘Please do something with New Orleans.’ We went there four weeks ago, crime is down 71%.”
“[In] Memphis, Tennessee, crime is down 80% after five weeks.”
Trump said these numbers reflect the success of a tough-on-crime strategy that prioritizes enforcement over excuses.
“Crime, historically in this country, it's down [to] the lowest level it's ever been,” Trump said. “… We've had less murders than we have had in decades. And you know why? Because we're tough on crime.”
Earlier this week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced that message, saying murders in major U.S. cities dropped to their lowest level since at least 1900 as federal arrests, gang takedowns, and deportations increased under Trump’s promise to “restore law and order.”
Trump also explained that he later decided to pull hundreds of federal agents out of Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of two residents last month, noting that the Department of Homeland Security could “use a little bit of a softer touch.” Even law enforcement, it seems, can adjust without abandoning results.
In the end, Trump’s message is simple: enforce the law, remove criminals, and communities become safer. Minneapolis, along with several other cities, is now living proof that order still works—and that’s a win for public safety and for Americans who just want to walk their streets without fear.
