Federal immigration enforcement operations have begun in Minneapolis and New Orleans, exposing sharp divisions between states cooperating with federal authorities and those pledging to obstruct.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated enforcement actions in Minneapolis, according to NBC News, while similar operations are underway in New Orleans. The developments come amid strong opposition from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who have both pledged to resist federal deportation efforts under President Donald Trump.
The Minneapolis operation follows Trump’s remarks Tuesday, in which he criticized members of Minnesota’s Somali community and reiterated his stance on immigration enforcement. Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali populations in the United States.
At a Tuesday meeting, Ellison questioned the legality of targeting a specific immigrant group but acknowledged the federal government’s primary authority over immigration enforcement. “They still can’t target people based on their religion or ethnicity or their background or national origin,” Ellison said.
Local officials in Minneapolis have declared that city police will not cooperate with ICE. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said his department will avoid involvement except when a clear public-safety threat arises. “I want to minimize our officers’ exposure to any of that type of enforcement activity,” O’Hara said.
Mayor Frey added that city officials are providing “know your rights” resources for undocumented residents. “You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer,” Frey said, advising residents not to open doors without a warrant.
Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told KARE 11 that ICE’s focus is on unlawful residents and criminal offenders, not individuals with legal status. “What makes someone a target of ICE is not their race or ethnicity, but the fact that they are in the country illegally,” she said.
While Minneapolis leaders prepare to resist, Louisiana officials are coordinating with federal authorities. The FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Louisiana State Police announced a joint enforcement initiative to deter assaults and obstruction during federal operations.
“We will not tolerate assaults on law enforcement officers in Louisiana, and there will be consequences,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges added that troopers “will take immediate action on all state-level criminal violations involving the assault or battery of any law enforcement personnel.”
Under Title 18 U.S. Code §111, it is a federal crime to forcibly assault, resist, or impede federal officers while they are performing their official duties. Louisiana authorities cited the law in their announcement, while officials in Minnesota have not indicated plans to enforce it in connection with federal operations.
The contrasting responses underscore the widening divide between jurisdictions cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and those prioritizing sanctuary-style policies.
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