Minnesota Governor Urges President Trump to End Immigration Actions in the State
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday urged President Donald Trump to end the federal immigration actions taking place in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the state. The governor’s remarks came after Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem sent 2,000 federal agents to the Twin Cities to carry out a major enforcement operation.
Protests and Controversy
Earlier this month, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good, who had confronted agents during an enforcement action in Minneapolis. This incident set off protests in the Twin Cities and across the country. Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops to quell protests. The 1807 law allows the president to federalize the National Guard and law enforcement against the will of state leaders.
Call for Calm and Order
In his statement Tuesday, Walz called on the president to come to the state “to see our values in action.” “Come see how communities from all walks of life are working together, and how the spirit of this state refuses to be defined by division or fear,” Walz said in the statement. “I invite you to join me, and others in our community, to help restore calm and order and reaffirm that true public safety comes from shared purpose, trust, and respect.”
Justice Department Investigation
The governor also addressed the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into him and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Both Walz and Frey previously have denounced the probe — which involves whether the two impeded the immigration action — saying its politically-motivated. “This Justice Department investigation, sparked by calls for accountability in the face of violence, chaos, and the killing of Renee Good, does not seek justice,” he said. “It is a partisan distraction. Minnesotans are more concerned with safety and peace than baseless legal tactics aimed at intimidating public servants standing shoulder to shoulder with their community.”
Impact on Minnesotans
The immigration actions in the state are having a significant impact on many Minnesotans, Walz said. “My focus has always been protecting the people of this state,” he said. “Families are scared. Kids are afraid to go to school. Small businesses are hurting. A mother is dead, and the people responsible have yet to be held accountable. That’s where the energy of the federal government should be directed: toward restoring trust, accountability, and real law and order, not political retaliation.”
A Call to Action
Walz ended by saying: “Minnesota will not be intimidated into silence and neither will I.” For more information on this developing story, please visit Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
