Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Visits Twin Cities, Criticizes State and Local Leaders
On a recent visit to the Twin Cities, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized state and local Democratic leaders for not cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Noem, who was accompanied by immigration officials, showcased the recent activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, highlighting the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and dozens of firearms.
According to ICE, over 4,300 people who were in the U.S. illegally have been removed from the state of Minnesota since January, with 3,316 having criminal histories and 98 being gang members. Noem called on state leaders to assist federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws, accusing Gov. Tim Walz and Twin Cities leaders of shielding individuals present in the U.S. illegally.
Sanctuary Cities and Immigration Policies
St. Paul and Minneapolis have been described as “sanctuary cities” due to their local laws limiting cooperation between law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. However, Minnesota itself does not have a sanctuary policy barring cooperation with immigration authorities. The Trump administration and congressional Republicans have viewed Walz as uncooperative on immigration, pointing to Attorney General Keith Ellison’s opinion that Minnesota cannot enforce immigration detainers if an individual can otherwise be released from custody.
Noem’s visit was met with protests from hundreds of people who gathered outside the federal building, chanting “Say it loud, say it clear: Immigrants are welcome here” and carrying signs comparing ICE to secret police services like the Gestapo in Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union’s KGB.
Protesters opposed to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown gather outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling during Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to the Twin Cities on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Alex Derosier / Pioneer Press)
Mayors Respond to Noem’s Visit
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey used Noem’s visit as an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to protecting immigrant communities in their cities. Carter stated that the St. Paul Police Department would not participate in immigration enforcement, while Frey said that Minneapolis would continue to stand with its immigrant neighbors and protect them regardless of their immigration status.
Noem’s visit was seen by some as a political stunt, with Walz’s office stating that “it appears that this visit was perhaps more about pulling a political stunt than about solving a problem.” The Trump administration has been increasing its efforts to crack down on immigration, and Noem’s visit was part of this effort.
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