Trump says Minneapolis mayor is ‘playing with fire’ over immigration comments

US President Donald Trump has accused Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “playing with fire” after the mayor publicly reaffirmed that the city would not enforce federal immigration laws, a stance that has intensified political tensions in Minnesota while also prompting renewed calls for dialogue and de-escalation.

The dispute unfolded after Mayor Frey wrote on X that “Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws,” reiterating the city’s long-standing sanctuary policies. The statement drew a sharp response from President Trump, who said the mayor was breaking the law and risking serious consequences.

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, saying: “Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!” The president added that Frey’s comments came “after having had a very good conversation with him,” suggesting frustration at what he viewed as a reversal in tone.

The clash comes amid heightened emotions in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents on Saturday. The incident has sparked protests, national scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics, and bipartisan appeals for calm as investigations continue.

Mayor Frey said he had communicated directly with Trump’s border tsar, Tom Homan, and made clear that Minneapolis would not change its approach. In a detailed social media post, Frey stressed that his priority was community safety and trust.

“I reiterated that my main ask is for Operation Metro Surge to end as quickly as possible,” he said. “Public safety works best when it’s built on community trust, not tactics that create fear or division. I shared with Mr. Homan the serious negative impacts this operation has had on Minneapolis and surrounding communities, as well as the strain it has placed on our local police officers.”

He added that while the city would continue to cooperate on public safety, it would remain focused on protecting residents rather than enforcing federal immigration law. “We will remain focused on keeping our neighbours and streets safe,” Frey said.

Lawmakers from both parties have urged restraint as tensions rise. Democratic Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar called for accountability at the federal level, saying Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should “resign or face impeachment” over recent developments in the state. Omar also said she was attacked with an unidentified substance at a town hall event on Tuesday night, underscoring the charged atmosphere surrounding the debate.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, political observers note that the exchange also highlights an ongoing conversation between federal and local authorities about how immigration enforcement is carried out and its impact on communities. While the White House maintains that federal law must be upheld uniformly, city leaders argue that trust between residents and local authorities is essential to effective policing and public safety.