Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has triggered a political firestorm this week after warning city officers they could be fired if they fail to intervene against what he deems “unlawful” or “excessive” force by federal immigration agents.
The directive immediately set Minneapolis on a collision course with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“If unlawful force is being used by any law enforcement officer against any person in this city and one of our officers is there, absolutely, I expect them to intervene, or they’ll be fired,” O’Hara said at a press conference, tying the policy to lessons the department claims it drew from the George Floyd incident.
“We’re not going to repeat that mistake with any agency, or otherwise.”
His comments came as ICE intensified enforcement operations in the Twin Cities, particularly around Karmel Mall, a major hub for the city’s large Somali immigrant community.
Videos and witness accounts alleging surveillance and detentions have circulated online, prompting activists to pressure local officials to push back against federal officers.
But O’Hara’s stance has triggered fierce blowback.
Critics argue the chief is effectively instructing Minneapolis officers to obstruct federal law enforcement.
One widely shared post captured the outrage: “Unlawful?
“Like these illegal invaders trying to claim residence in our country?”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded publicly as well.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin questioned whether O’Hara expected officers to interfere while ICE agents were arresting dangerous criminals.
“Does Chief O’Hara want his officers to intervene as our law enforcement arrests the convicted murderers, rapists, and gang members responsible for violence in American communities?” she said.
The policy raises immediate legal issues.
Federal law makes interference with ICE operations a crime, and Minneapolis’s own manuals instruct officers not to impede federal agents.
O’Hara’s directive could leave Minneapolis police caught between the city’s expectations and federal authority, potentially exposing officers to lawsuits or even criminal charges, should they physically intervene.
Still, O’Hara doubled down, insisting intervention is a core element of police accountability.
“Our officers here have a duty to intervene… not just from law enforcement, from our own agency,” he said.
Activists, however, questioned whether the department would ever actually confront ICE agents in the field.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” said Miri Villerius, reflecting ongoing distrust of Minneapolis police.
Meanwhile, immigrant communities are reporting heightened fear, citing nighttime raids, masked agents, and what some describe as tactics resembling “kidnappings.”
O’Hara has even urged residents to call 911 if they suspect a federal agent may be impersonating local police.
Critics say the message risks sowing confusion about the legitimacy of immigration enforcement.
Minneapolis has long branded itself as a “sanctuary” city, but O’Hara’s directive goes well beyond non-cooperation.
By threatening disciplinary action, the chief has opened the door to direct confrontations with federal officers, confrontations legal experts warn could be tested in court the moment an officer attempts to intervene.
No disciplinary cases have emerged so far.
But with ICE ramping up operations and the chief positioning Minneapolis as a frontline sanctuary battleground, the city may soon face a defining clash over the limits of local authority in resisting federal immigration enforcement.
READ MORE – Minnesota Somali Threatens to Murder ICE Agents: ‘You’re Gonna Get Popped!’
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