TLDR;
This interview with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey discusses the recent killing of an innocent woman by an ICE agent and the Trump administration's response. Frey criticizes the administration's attempts to control the narrative, the exclusion of state investigators, and the potential for using the tragedy as a pretext for increased militarization. He affirms the city's commitment to seeking justice and protecting its immigrant communities, while also addressing the broader issue of ICE's unconstitutional practices.
- The Trump administration is attempting to control the narrative surrounding the killing, despite video evidence.
- State investigators are being excluded from the investigation.
- The city is concerned about the potential for increased militarization and is committed to protecting its immigrant communities.
- ICE's practices are unconstitutional and target specific communities.
Trump Administration's Response and Investigation Concerns [0:05]
Mayor Frey expresses strong disagreement with the Trump administration's narrative that the ICE agent acted in self-defense and that the victim was a domestic terrorist, calling it "garbage BS." He points out the contradiction between the administration's claims and the video evidence, which clearly shows the victim attempting to leave the scene. Frey confirms that Minnesota investigators are being excluded from accessing evidence, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the federal investigation. He emphasizes that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is a non-partisan state-level group that conducts fair investigations, and their exclusion is deeply concerning.
Justice, Narrative Control, and Potential Militarization [4:19]
Frey expresses his lack of confidence in the investigation due to the administration's apparent disregard for facts and its rush to a predetermined conclusion. He defines justice as fairness and adherence to truth, emphasizing the importance of video evidence, witness interviews, and forensic evidence. Frey echoes concerns that the administration might exploit the situation to deploy a militarized occupation in Minneapolis, using protests as a pretext. He notes that the city already has a significant presence of ICE agents and border control, and the recent tragedy was predictable.
City's Response and Legal Actions [7:19]
The mayor states that Minneapolis will not take the bait and will respond to hate with love and chaos with peace, while actively pursuing justice. He highlights the importance of protecting immigrant communities and avoiding actions that could justify further militarization. The city is exploring potential litigation against the Trump administration and is working with other mayors, governors, and attorneys general. While the exact legal strategy is still being determined, Frey affirms the city's commitment to seeking accountability, even if the federal government fails to act.
Contact with the Family and Broader Political Response [10:07]
Frey has made contact with a representative of the victim's family but has not yet spoken with them directly. He acknowledges the family's unimaginable grief and expresses the city's support. He notes that many people, including those with right-leaning political views, disagree with the Trump administration's response, which gives him hope. Frey emphasizes that the situation transcends political ideology and requires a united defense of constitutional principles. He condemns ICE's discriminatory practices, such as targeting individuals based on their ethnicity, as a violation of the Constitution.
ICE's Unconstitutional Practices and City's Stance [12:09]
Frey criticizes ICE's lack of training in constitutional law and de-escalation tactics, suggesting that their actions are driven by orders from higher up. He contrasts ICE's current practices with past collaborations with federal agencies like the DEA, FBI, and ATF, which successfully reduced crime in Minneapolis. Frey reiterates his support for law enforcement focused on safety and crime reduction but condemns ICE's constitutional violations. He believes ICE agents are being sent to Minneapolis to cause havoc and target specific communities without proper legal basis.
Response to Criticism and Final Remarks [14:52]
Frey defends his strong language directed at ICE, stating that his use of an F-bomb pales in comparison to the inflammatory act of killing someone. He stands by his words and dismisses the "faux outrage" from Republicans, reminding them of President Trump's own rhetoric. He concludes by reiterating his commitment to navigating the tragedy and holding ICE accountable for their actions in Minneapolis.
