Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey attempted to reframe the violent confrontations targeting federal immigration agents in his city as an expression of “love,” even as riots, assaults, and lawlessness continue to spiral out of control.
Appearing Sunday on ABC’s “This Week” with Jonathan Karl, the Democrat mayor insisted that the unrest engulfing Minneapolis is not about resistance to federal law enforcement, but something far more noble.
“I think it’s important to tell the whole country that this is not just about resistance here in Minneapolis, it’s about love,” Frey claimed.
“We are showing something far more powerful and consequential here, which is love.
“We are standing up for one another,” he continued.
“You’ve got neighbors helping neighbors.
“You’ve got people uniting and coming together in this beautiful way.”
Frey went on to accuse the federal government of attempting to intimidate both him and city residents.
“And, obviously, we’ve got these threats out there from the federal government that were literally designed to intimidate Minneapolis residents, to intimidate me,” he claimed.
“But here’s the thing, we’re not going to be intimidated.”
WATCH:
DOJ Investigation Looms
The comments come as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly opened investigations into both Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over potential obstruction of federal immigration enforcement.
Frey acknowledged the reports but said he has not yet received a subpoena.
“If the rumors are true, this is deeply concerning because this is way more important than just me,” Frey said.
“This is a very serious matter.”
He then attempted to portray the investigation as an attack on free speech rather than a response to alleged interference with federal law.
“You know, there are other countries where you get put away for the things that you say,” Frey claimed.
“But in this country, it’s not that way. Here we have freedom of speech. And we do not negotiate those rights away.”
Critics have noted that the investigation reportedly centers on actions, not speech, particularly whether local officials encouraged or enabled resistance to federal agents.
“Calm Will Return When ICE Leaves”
Frey doubled down later Sunday during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” telling anchor Jake Tapper that Minneapolis would instantly return to peace if federal agents simply left the city.
“The second these ICE agents leave the city, I’m telling you, you’re gonna have calm in Minneapolis,” Frey said.
He suggested that federal enforcement, not riots or assaults, was responsible for businesses closing and residents fearing for their safety.
“Let us live in peace,” Frey said.
“Let us have businesses that are open and daycares where you don’t need to escort staff to and from.”
In a striking admission, the mayor acknowledged that daily life has become so unstable that residents now require escorts to grocery stores and child care facilities, while still insisting the unrest is rooted in “love.”
“If we have to sled down ice hills to get to a protest, we’ll do that,” Frey added.
“But truthfully, we want to get back to a place where we can just love on our city.”
WATCH:
Mayor Frey says there won't be "calm" in Minneapolis until ICE leaves.
The Trump administration is not going to surrender to the Radical Left and let Minneapolis "get back to" rampant fraud, theft, and sanctuary for criminals. pic.twitter.com/8iefolHU0Y
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 18, 2026
Federal Response Escalates
As Minneapolis officials downplay the violence, the federal government is preparing for the possibility of escalation.
The U.S. military has placed approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for potential deployment to Minnesota should President Donald Trump invoke the Insurrection Act, a move he has warned remains on the table if attacks on federal agents continue.
For critics, Frey’s remarks underscore a growing divide between Democrat local officials and the federal government: while ICE agents face harassment and violence in the streets, the city’s mayor is describing the unrest not as lawlessness, but as an expression of civic affection.
As Minneapolis teeters between order and chaos, the question remains whether rhetoric about “love” can coexist with mobs, assaults, and open defiance of federal law.
READ MORE – Mamdani Launches Plan to Begin Confiscating Private Property
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.