Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sharply criticized federal immigration enforcement and rejected suggestions that local community members or local officials are responsible for the escalating tensions and unrest in the city following the fatal shooting of local resident Alex Jeffrey Pretti by a Border Patrol agent on January 24, 2026. The death of Pretti, a 37‑year‑old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse, occurred during a federal operation tied to immigration enforcement and has triggered widespread protests and deepening conflict between local and federal authorities.

In a forceful public statement, Mayor Frey pushed back against accusations that Minneapolis residents or its elected leaders were to blame for the “vitriol in our streets,” asserting that responsibility lies with the federal presence and the policies driving it. Frey described the situation as a federal “invasion” that prioritizes partisan objectives over public safety and community stability, and he underscored the scale of public opposition, noting recent demonstrations that drew large crowds demanding accountability and change.

Frey’s remarks reflect mounting frustration among city officials who argue that the deployment of thousands of federal agents to the city has exacerbated tensions, rather than alleviating them. Local leaders have emphasized that they lack authority over federal immigration operations and have repeatedly called for those operations to be scaled back or ended, citing concerns about civil liberties, safety, and community trust. In his comments, Frey stressed that local officials cannot be held solely responsible for broader federal actions that many residents view as aggressive and disruptive.

The Minneapolis protests have continued to grow in size and intensity, driven not only by Pretti’s death but also by broader unease over aggressive immigration enforcement practices in the community. Local authorities, including Frey, have sought legal remedies, such as filing to obtain a restraining order to halt federal enforcement operations, and have engaged with state and national elected officials to press for action at higher levels of government.

As public anger persists, Mayor Frey’s statement underscores a broader conflict between local governance and federal law enforcement priorities, particularly under the current administration’s immigration policies, with Minneapolis emerging as a focal point for debates over public safety, federal authority, and community rights.