Minnesota Governor Describes Unusual Trump Call as Immigration Raids Fuel Statewide Tension
As tensions escalate in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz revealed details of a private phone discussion with President Donald Trump that is attracting national attention. Due to popular outrage over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in the state, the debate is sensitive.
Governor Walz said the president called him this week to discuss the Minneapolis ICE crackdown. Both leaders later acknowledged the call. Walz told an interviewer that the president’s tone and parallels worried him.
Walz said President Trump was frustrated with Minnesota’s response to federal operations. The governor defended Minnesota as one of the most effective states and a high-quality of life. Despite street disturbance, he stressed that Minnesotans were OK.
The governor said President Trump cited immigration enforcement in Louisville and New Orleans as successful. Walz disagreed, saying Minneapolis’ situation was different, especially given the potential repercussions.
Protests in Minnesota have increased since federal immigration officials shot and killed two Americans in the past month. These occurrences have sparked popular outcry and scrutiny of state and federal officials. Residents continue to protest ICE for accountability and openness.
The president’s mention to a U.S. military intervention in Venezuela jumped out to Walz throughout the discussion. Walz said Trump touted the foreign operation as successful and compared it to Minneapolis immigration enforcement. The governor was troubled by the parallel, saying a military operation abroad should be treated differently than federal intervention in a state or city.
Walz informed the president that similar operations in other U.S. cities had not killed anyone, while the Minnesota incident had. The comparison to Venezuela seemed out of place, especially as Minnesota leaders face protests, public concern, and questions at home.
The governor further wondered why the president thought such a connection would be relevant or reassuring during a state crisis. Walz said the discussion showed a wide gap between state authorities and the federal administration on Minneapolis events.
As the ICE crackdown faces pushback, the argument over immigration enforcement, federal power, and state public safety has deepened. Minnesota officials are working to reduce tensions, address public concerns, and ensure law enforcement activities respect the law and human life.
More protests are likely and federal authorities are under pressure to clarify their activities. Walz’s version of the call has sparked national debate regarding immigration enforcement and White House-state leadership communication.
Sources
- Minnesota Governor’s Office
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Official statements from the White House
