Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned that President Donald Trump invoking the Insurrection Act to send federal troops into his city would be “a shocking step,” insisting that Minneapolis is already reducing crime without outside intervention.
At a Glance
- Crime has fallen across multiple categories in Minneapolis over the last 28 days, according to city data.
- The Pentagon has placed some active-duty troops on prepare-to-deploy notice for Minnesota.
- Frey told federal agents to “get the f— out of our city” after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman.
- Why it matters: The standoff highlights growing tension between local Democratic leaders and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and public safety.
Frey, speaking Sunday on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” cited city statistics showing drops in vandalism, theft and weapons violations. He argued additional federal forces are unnecessary.
“We don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe, we are safe,” he told moderator Kristen Welker.
The mayor added: “In Minneapolis, we’re not going to be intimidated. We’re not backing down. We’re going to grin down this bear and do so again with peace.”
City figures do show a recent uptick in assault offenses and motor vehicle theft, even as other categories decline.
Last week Trump labeled protesters “professional agitators and insurrectionists” and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that allows presidents to deploy troops domestically in rare circumstances.
Two U.S. officials confirmed to News Of Philadelphia that the Pentagon has identified active-duty units for potential deployment to Minnesota. The move was described as “prudent planning” should Trump decide to invoke the act. The units are part of a domestic response force under Northern Command.
A White House official framed the preparations as routine, telling News Of Philadelphia: “It’s typical for the Department of War to be prepared for any decision the president may or may not make.”
Tensions escalated after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good during an immigration-related operation. Frey responded by publicly ordering ICE agents out of the city.
“Get the f— out of our city,” he said at the time.
On Sunday he repeated that call, arguing that removing ICE would improve safety.
“If the goal is safety, if the goal is maintaining a peace, I’ll tell you, there’s a very good antidote to some of the danger we’ve been seeing, and it’s just to have ICE leave,” Frey said.
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into both Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, both Democrats, exploring whether public statements they made interfered with federal immigration enforcement. Robert K. Lawson first reported the probe last week.
Frey told Welker he has not received a subpoena.
“It would be deeply concerning if the federal government is targeting someone for a product that is quite literally my job,” he said. “It is my responsibility to speak on behalf of Minneapolis residents. It’s my responsibility to do everything possible to keep our city safe.”
Walz previously accused the administration of “weaponizing the justice system,” calling it “a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.”
The governor and mayor have both criticized the administration’s immigration crackdown and the circumstances surrounding Good’s death. Additional federal officers arrived in Minneapolis after the shooting, fueling larger protests.
Frey framed the city’s resistance as a defense of local autonomy.
“We’re going to continue to stand up for our residents, stand up for safety, stand up for peace,” he said.
Federal officials have not indicated whether Trump will ultimately invoke the Insurrection Act. For now, the identified military units remain on standby while local leaders vow to oppose any large-scale deployment.
