Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that he spoke by phone with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of efforts to lower tensions over federal immigration enforcement operations in the city, and said border czar Tom Homan will meet with Frey on Tuesday to continue discussions.
Trump said in a Truth Social post that the call with Frey was productive. “I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis,” he wrote. “Lots of progress is being made! Tom Homan will be meeting with him tomorrow in order to continue the discussion.”
Frey confirmed the exchange in a post on X, saying he appreciated the outreach and reiterated his priority of ending the Department of Homeland Security’s intensive enforcement operation, while also emphasizing his commitment to protecting migrant communities.
“Minneapolis will continue to cooperate with state and federal law enforcement on real criminal investigations — but we will not participate in unconstitutional arrests of our neighbors or enforce federal immigration law,” he wrote. “Violent criminals should be held accountable based on the crimes they commit, not based on where they are from.”
Frey said he plans to meet with Homan “to further discuss next steps,” and stressed that the city’s approach will focus on public safety and the well-being of Minneapolis residents.
The outreach comes amid heightened unrest in Minneapolis after two fatal shootings involving federal agents during immigration enforcement operations under what the administration calls “Operation Metro Surge,” a large-scale campaign targeting undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. The deaths, including the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by Border Patrol agents, have sparked protests and national attention.
In addition to the call with Frey, Trump also spoke earlier Monday with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, describing that conversation as “very good” as well. Both conversations appear to signal a shift in tone from earlier confrontations, even as disagreements over enforcement tactics and local cooperation remain unresolved.
The border czar’s visit is expected to focus on coordinating federal and local responses and addressing ongoing concerns about the impact of immigration operations on city residents, law enforcement and community relations. Federal officials have said they intend to manage enforcement efforts while also engaging with local leaders to reduce tensions.