President Donald Trump has called on Congress to pass legislation aimed at dismantling sanctuary cities, urging Democratic governors and mayors to cooperate with his administration on immigration enforcement. This demand follows an escalation of tensions between federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and anti-ICE protesters, particularly after the death of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, in Minnesota over the weekend.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social on Sunday evening, Trump attributed the increasing strife to the actions of Democrats, specifically targeting Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, and Jacob Frey, the Mayor of Minneapolis. Trump claimed their policies contribute to “Division, Chaos, and Violence,” leading to the tragic deaths of Pretti and another individual, Renee Good.
The former president criticized what he termed Democrat-run sanctuary cities and states for their refusal to collaborate with ICE. He argued that such policies embolden “Leftwing Agitators” to obstruct federal efforts to detain individuals considered dangerous. Trump stated, “By doing this, Democrats are putting Illegal Alien Criminals over Taxpaying, Law-Abiding Citizens, and they have created dangerous circumstances for EVERYONE involved.”
In a follow-up post, Trump issued a series of demands to Democratic leaders. He requested that Walz and Frey provide information on individuals living illegally in Minnesota who are currently incarcerated or have active warrants. Additionally, he urged local law enforcement to partner with federal agencies to apprehend and detain aliens accused of crimes.
Trump asserted, “Democrat Politicians must partner with the Federal Government to protect American Citizens in the rapid removal of all Criminal Illegal Aliens in our Country.” He cited examples of cooperation in cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., which he claimed have led to safer communities.
He emphasized that his requests are based on “COMMON SENSE” and are intended to enhance public safety. “The Trump Administration is standing by, and waiting for ANY Democrat to do the right thing,” he stated, reinforcing the notion that collaboration is essential for addressing these pressing issues.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara responded to Trump’s demands during an interview on CBS’ “Face The Nation.” He clarified that the Minneapolis Police Department does not have the authority to transfer individuals held in jails, as such operations are managed at the county and state levels. O’Hara remarked, “The city police do not operate a jail that’s at the county level and the prisons are at the state level, so we are complying with the law as we have been for many years.”
The ongoing dialogue highlights the stark divisions within the U.S. regarding immigration enforcement and local governance, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
