MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In the wake of a fatal shooting involving a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has doubled down on his sharp and profanity-laced criticism of the agency. Speaking on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Frey acknowledged his use of explicit language but insisted that the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman shot during an ICE enforcement operation, was the true inflammatory event.
Last Wednesday, Frey told ICE agents to “get the f— out of Minneapolis,” a statement that quickly stirred controversy amid ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement in the city. The mayor’s remarks came after an ICE agent fatally shot Good when her vehicle was stopped on a residential street, partially blocking the roadway during the operation. Authorities have maintained that the officer acted in self-defense, while Frey and others have criticized the federal presence and approach.
“To those that are offended, I’m sorry I offended their delicate ears,” Frey said during the interview, underscoring the emotional weight of the incident over his choice of words. He emphasized his responsibility to reduce tensions but argued that the fatal shooting overshadowed any controversy over his language. “Of course, I bear responsibility to bring down the temperature. That’s part of my role as mayor. And by the way, protests here in Minneapolis are peaceful. We had, I don’t know, 10,000 or so people that were protesting and marching yesterday. And virtually all of it was a very peaceful expression of First Amendment rights,” Frey added.
The mayor’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, which has resisted the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies in recent years. The incident has also drawn attention from the Department of Homeland Security, with Secretary Kristi Noem labeling the shooting as an “act of domestic terrorism” during a press conference. DHS announced plans to deploy hundreds more federal agents to the city to support law enforcement efforts.
Frey’s stance has sparked a fierce debate between local officials, federal authorities, and immigrant advocacy groups. While some have condemned his language as inflammatory and unprofessional, others have praised his outspoken defense of Minneapolis residents and criticism of federal tactics. The mayor reiterated his position in a social media post, writing, “Today is a good day for ICE to get out of Minnesota,” omitting the expletives but maintaining his call for federal agents to leave.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has defended its officers’ actions, asserting that the situation escalated when the driver allegedly obstructed the roadway and did not comply with commands. However, community leaders and civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have criticized the federal response and called for increased accountability.
As Minneapolis grapples with the fallout from the shooting, the mayor’s comments highlight the broader national tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community-police relations. The incident has reignited debates over the role of federal agencies in local jurisdictions and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. The city continues to witness peaceful protests, reflecting deep divisions but also a strong commitment to civic engagement.
With federal agents set to increase their presence, the situation remains fluid. Mayor Frey’s unapologetic remarks underscore the challenges facing leaders who must navigate the complex intersection of law enforcement, immigration policy, and community trust. For now, the mayor insists that the focus should remain on the tragic loss of life rather than his choice of words.
