President Donald Trump accused top Minnesota Democrats on Sunday of using protests against federal immigration enforcement to divert attention from what he described as massive fraud within the state, as federal agents continue operations targeting violent criminals in the Twin Cities, as reported [1] by Fox News.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operating in Minneapolis and St. Paul were focused on removing dangerous individuals, while state and local leaders were encouraging resistance to those efforts.
“ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals in the World from our Country, and bring them back home, where they belong. Why is Minnesota fighting this? Do they really want murderers and drug dealers to be ensconced in their community? The thugs that are protesting include many highly paid professional agitators and anarchists. Is this really what Minnesota wants?” Trump wrote.
Trump directly criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., arguing that their opposition to ICE enforcement serves as a distraction from alleged large-scale financial misconduct within the state.
Trump said Walz and Omar “don’t mind because it keeps the focus of attention off the 18 Billion Dollar, Plus, FRAUD, that has taken place in the State!” He added, “Don’t worry, we’re on it!”
BREAKING: President Trump says Tim Walz and Ilhan Omar are fighting ICE to DISTRACT from estimates of $18 BILLION dollars in fraud
“Don’t worry, WE’RE ON IT!”
“ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals in the World from our Country, and bring them back home,… pic.twitter.com/EQvAZvPKuG [2]
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 18, 2026 [3]
Federal immigration operations in Minnesota have drawn protests and confrontations in recent weeks, with agents reporting harassment from activists during enforcement actions.
The situation has escalated to the point where federal prosecutors are now investigating Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations that their public statements and actions may have interfered with federal law enforcement.
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the issue during an appearance on Fox News, warning that rhetoric from state and local leaders could cross legal lines.
“When the governor or the mayor threaten our officers, when the mayor suggests that he’s encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime,” Blanche said.
“When the Governor or the Mayor threaten our officers, when the Mayor suggests that he’s encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime,” says @DAGToddBlanche [4].
“If you impede the work we’re doing… We’re coming after you.” pic.twitter.com/i7O1vtVq2S [5]
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 17, 2026 [6]
Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in on the situation, posting a message on X aimed at protesters and public officials alike. “A reminder to all those in Minnesota: No one is above the law,” Bondi wrote.
A reminder to all those in Minnesota: No one is above the law.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 17, 2026 [7]
Walz responded publicly on Friday, rejecting the allegations and accusing the Trump administration of abusing federal power. In a post on X, Walz framed the investigation as part of a broader pattern.
“Two days ago, it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week, it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly,” Walz wrote.
“Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.”
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her. https://t.co/MfgwSjDFwh [8]
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 16, 2026 [9]
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also issued a response, saying he would not back down in the face of federal scrutiny.
In his own X post, Frey accused the administration of attempting to intimidate him over his stance on immigration enforcement.
“This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, local law enforcement, and residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our city,” Frey wrote.
“I will not be intimidated. My focus remains where it’s always been: keeping our city safe.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey PANICS over reports that the Pentagon has troops on standby to send to Minnesota: “3,000 federal agents, 1500 troops? This is ridiculous. We will not be intimidated by this federal government”
pic.twitter.com/VlQv6Om3Kr [10]
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 18, 2026 [11]
As federal investigations continue, the clash between the Trump administration and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership has intensified, placing immigration enforcement, state accountability, and the limits of local resistance to federal authority at the center of the national debate.