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ICE in MN: Kristi Noem on recent immigration enforcement
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Minneapolis as she discussed recent ICE activity in the area.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in Minneapolis on Friday afternoon to discuss immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities.
Kristi Noem on immigration enforcement in Minnesota
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DHS details ICE operations in Twin Cities
Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke in the Twin Cities on Friday to discuss ICE operations while detailing arrests already conducted.
What we know:
In the press conference, Noem gave details on recent arrests made by Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota.
According to Noem, the individuals were arrested for either homicide, human trafficking or sexual assault.
Noem praised the work of USCIS in the state, who, under operation "Twin Shield", has been investigating visa fraud in Minnesota.
At the press conference, Noem condemned "violent protests, violent attacks, riots and attacks on law enforcement," and is encouraging Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to have a partnership with DHS law enforcement.
Noem said that it is up to the President if the National Guard will be deployed here, but did say there would be an "increase" in federal officers coming.
"It's up to the President on if he believes the National Guard should be deployed to any situation to any city across our country," Noem said at the press conference. "But we do have an increase of federal officers that will be coming. As you know, we had a big bill passed through Congress that allocated 10,000 new ICE officers across the country."
Noem said Minnesota will see "dozens" of new agents and federal officers.
Trump Administration and Minnesota
Local perspective:
Earlier this month, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz raised the possibility of the Trump Administration deploying federal troops to Minnesota, like the administration has in Chicago.
"I think it makes — it would be logical for them to come here. We fall into exactly what it looks like they’re trying to target — blue cities in places that he wants to make an impact. You can certainly chill voting in states like Minnesota if you target Minneapolis and St. Paul," Walz said at an event with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker hosted by the Star Tribune.
Walz said his administration has been preparing for the possibility of troop deployments in Minnesota since last year.
Immigration crackdowns nationwide
Dig deeper:
The Trump Administration deployed National Guard members to Illinois earlier this month as the administration ramped up immigration enforcement in Chicago. President Trump has also repeatedly criticized Chicago and asserted that crime in that city is out of control.
READ MORE: Newsom warns Californians after Trump backs off Bay Area immigration surge
Trump was also set to deploy federal agents to San Francisco this week to quell crime, but backed off this plan after talking to the mayor.
Minneapolis and St. Paul's mayors respond to Noem's visit
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ICE in MN: Minneapolis mayor's stance on immigration
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recorded a message along with other city leaders, saying they stand with their immigrant neighbors.
Local perspective:
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, along with city leaders, recorded a message on the city's stance on immigration, ahead of the press conference with Noem.
The message can be watched in full above, but Frey stated the city is committed to upholding its Separation Ordinance, which ensures that city employees, including police and firefighters, are not allowed to participate in civil immigration enforcement.
"Minneapolis doesn’t flinch when it comes to our values," said Frey. "We stand with our immigrant neighbors — not just in words, but in the laws we’ve passed, the policies we enforce, and the way we show up for each other every day."
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter shared the following statement regarding Noem's presence in the Twin Cities:
"We're aware federal employees, including ICE and border patrol agents, are converging in the Twin Cities ahead of Kristi Noem's speech today in Minneapolis. Though we aren't aware of planned enforcement activity, I understand and share concerns about what this could signal.
"Remember you have rights. We encourage everyone to review the following information for what to do if you are stopped by federal law enforcement, how to safely and legally document proceedings in progress, and who to call for legal assistance.
"As a reminder, Saint Paul police officers will always identify themselves. They wear clearly marked SPPD uniforms, display their badges, and, when relevant, produce a warrant. Our officers will help de-escalate situations when possible. And they do not wear face coverings."
Community leaders gather in protest of Noem's visit
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Protesters rally against Kristi Noem's visit to Twin Cities
Protesters gathered to have a press conference and rally to counter Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's visit to the Twin Cities.
The other side:
The People's Action Coalition Against Trump gathered to protest Noem's visit to the Twin Cities. The group is rallying against having a larger ICE presence and the National Guard being sent to the state.
The People's Action Coalition Against Trump will hold a rally and march, called No Trump No Troops, at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.