Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Meeting with Border Czar Tom Homan

Meeting with Border Czar Homan

• Mayor Frey described his meeting with Border Czar Tom Homan as positive and affable, while clearly stating the city's specific asks.
• The city's primary request is for Operation Metro Surge, aimed at improving safety and addressing violent crime, an area where Minneapolis has seen record lows due to collaboration with federal agencies like the DEA, ATF, FBI, and the US Attorney's Office.

Concerns Regarding Federal Agent Conduct

• ⚠️ Frey expressed objection to ICE indiscriminately pulling people off the street, specifically citing concerns about roving bands targeting Latino and Somali individuals without regard for whether a crime had been committed.
• 🗣️ The frustration stems from the treatment of people in the city, contrasted with the actions of tens of thousands of Minneapolis residents who have shown care for their neighbors by delivering food and supporting those in need.

Federal Presence and De-escalation

• 👮 While acknowledging that a softer touch has been required and that the implementation of body cameras is a step in the right direction, Frey noted that the continued presence of 2,000 federal agents alongside only 600 police officers does not constitute de-escalation.
• 🤝 The mayor emphasized the city's willingness to collaborate with federal agencies on catching offenders of violent crime.