President Donald Trump has stepped into the fray of Minneapolis unrest with a phone call that could signal a turning point.
Trump announced on Truth Social that he had a productive conversation with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Jan. 26, 2026, amid ongoing riots tied to a federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Frey confirmed the discussion and noted that border czar Tom Homan will meet with him on Tuesday to address the situation. Additionally, Frey stated that some federal agents will start withdrawing from the area on Tuesday, while he continues to advocate for the complete end of the operation.
The unrest in Minneapolis has escalated tensions between local and federal authorities, with Frey emphasizing cooperation on criminal investigations but rejecting involvement in what he calls unconstitutional arrests related to immigration enforcement.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation during a Monday briefing, highlighting Trump’s call with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz earlier that day. Leavitt also pointed to tragic losses, naming Renee Good and Alex Pretti as individuals killed by law enforcement during the month amid the turmoil, according to Fox News.
While Trump’s involvement suggests a push for resolution, the divide between Minneapolis leadership and federal priorities remains stark.
Trump posted on Truth Social, “I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis. Lots of progress is being made!”
Frey, for his part, didn’t shy away from laying out his demands during the call. “I spoke with President Trump today and appreciated the conversation. I expressed how much Minneapolis has benefited from our immigrant communities and was clear that my main ask is that Operation Metro Surge needs to end,” he said.
That’s a bold stance, prioritizing local sentiment over federal mandates, but it risks alienating those who see immigration enforcement as non-negotiable for public safety.
Frey’s insistence on ending Operation Metro Surge reflects a broader tension in cities pushing back against federal overreach. His pledge to avoid enforcing immigration law locally could be seen as a principled stand or a dangerous precedent, depending on where you stand.
Leavitt’s briefing added fuel to the fire, criticizing Frey and Walz for allegedly emboldening anti-ICE sentiments that she tied to deadly outcomes. Her call to “let cops be cops” hints at frustration with local leaders who, in her view, hamstring law enforcement. It’s a punchy line, but does it oversimplify a mess of policy and principle?
Trump’s directive, as outlined by Leavitt, demands that state and local officials hand over unauthorized migrants with criminal records or active warrants. This hardline approach aims to restore order, but it’s likely to clash with Frey’s commitment to protecting Minneapolis residents from what he deems unfair targeting.
The planned meeting between Frey and Homan on Tuesday could be a make-or-break moment for de-escalation. Both sides seem to agree that the current unrest can’t persist, but agreement on the solution is far from guaranteed.
Frey has made it clear he’s not backing down entirely, promising to keep working with all government levels for community safety while putting locals first. That’s a tightrope walk—cooperating on crime but drawing a line at immigration enforcement. Will it hold under federal pressure?
Leavitt’s mention of a path to law and order, starting with transferring custody of arrested unauthorized migrants, shows the administration’s unyielding focus. It’s a policy rooted in accountability, yet it risks further inflaming a city already on edge.
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as cited by Leavitt, underscore the human cost of this standoff. While details remain sparse, their loss amplifies the urgency for a resolution that prioritizes safety over political posturing.
Trump’s engagement, coupled with Homan’s upcoming visit, suggests a federal intent to dial down the chaos without fully conceding to local demands. It’s a pragmatic move, but one that might not satisfy a mayor determined to shield his city from perceived overreach.
As Minneapolis navigates this turbulent chapter, the balance between enforcing federal law and respecting local values hangs in the balance. Tuesday’s meeting could chart a new course—or simply deepen the divide. Either way, the eyes of the nation are on this Midwest battleground, waiting to see if dialogue can outpace discord.
