Gov. Walz warns ICE could target Christmas Eve masses

Walz warns ICE could target Christmas Eve masses

Gov. Tim Walz warned that ICE could target Christmas Eve masses, but church officials say otherwise. FOX 9's Mike Manzoni has more. 

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Gov. Tim Walz says the state is anticipating and preparing for increased ICE enforcement actions over the holidays, including the possibility of ICE agents targeting Christmas Eve mass.

ICE operation in Minnesota

The backstory:

The Twin Cities have been the focus of a target ICE operation launched by the Trump administration called "Operation Metro Surge" since Dec. 1.

Gov. Walz expects increased ICE action over holidays

Gov. Walz warns ICE could target midnight mass in MN

Gov. Walz warned that he was anticipating increased ICE operations over the holidays. The governor suggested it was entirely possible that agents could choose to target religious gatherings such as midnight Christmas masses.

What we know:

Speaking on Tuesday, Gov. Walz warned that he was anticipating increased ICE operations over the holidays. The governor suggested it was entirely possible that agents could choose to target religious gatherings like midnight Christmas Eve masses.

"We hear rumors, we hear suggestions of things, because that's how they operate, that there will be an increased presence," said Gov. Walz. "I would tell you, if I were a betting person, they will do it over these holiday seasons because it makes it especially cruel."

"It makes it especially mean-spirited, and it makes it especially traumatizing for communities that wish to gather to celebrate their faith on these most important of the High Holidays in all of our faiths," added Walz. "So I would fully expect, and we are preparing for, an influx of more agents, more of the very visible public theatrics of the raids, of the harassment. I would not put it past this administration to target midnight mass services amongst folks going to worship, because that's who they are."

St. Paul—Minneapolis Archbishop responds

What they're saying:

Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a statement that Archdiocesan representatives were told that ICE does not intend to conduct immigration enforcement at churches and K-12 schools. 

Here is the full statement from Archbishop Hebda:

"As Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas, I ask all people of good will – no matter their faith background or practice – to take a moment to pray. We are at a moment in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God. That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for carrying out our laws. 

"For centuries, Catholic churches have been places of refuge, where the old, the young, the rich, the poor, the saint and the sinner can all come together to worship God. I’m hoping that many will join us at Mass throughout the Christmas season and experience the sense of community for which our hearts long. Local Department of Homeland Security officials have recently reiterated to Archdiocesan representatives that they do not intend to conduct enforcement actions at churches and K-12 schools, unless there is an imminent public safety threat. We are unaware of any enforcement actions in our parishes and schools in these past weeks and months and have no reason to believe that will change.  

"Please know that you will be most welcome to worship with us at any of our Catholic parishes this Christmas, to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace long ago in Bethlehem, and to reaffirm our ties as brothers and sisters, all children of our loving God. Blessed Christmas! "

Is ICE breaking Minnesota law?

Dig deeper:

Gov. Walz says the state is also looking into whether ICE is violating any state statute amid its operation.

"I can tell you one of the things that we are looking at and targeting is that these guys are violating Minnesota law by changing license plates," Gov. Walz said. "They're doing what criminals do. They're putting license plates on vehicles that they are not registered to. So they're renting vehicles and putting on fake plates. We've seen where they're putting on fake Uber stickers, so they drive in, so people think it is. That's not law enforcement, that's criminal activity."

Activists have shared videos with FOX 9 showing ICE agents swapping license plates on their vehicles. However, FOX 9 hasn't been able to determine the circumstances in which the plates have been swapped in those cases. Law enforcement is allowed to use fake plates in some circumstances – like undercover investigations. However, Gov. Walz intoned that ICE agents were swapping plates as part of their normal duties, which he says is a violation of Minnesota law.