President Donald Trump on Sunday escalated his administration’s confrontation with sanctuary jurisdictions, pressing Democratic governors and mayors to abandon local non-cooperation policies as federal immigration enforcement expands nationwide.
Framing the issue as a public safety imperative rather than a political dispute, Trump warned that resistance from local officials has contributed to unrest, deadly encounters and a breakdown in coordination between federal agents and city governments.
The renewed push comes amid mounting tension in Minnesota, where the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti during a confrontation involving federal immigration officers has triggered protests, legal challenges and sharp criticism from Democratic leaders.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have argued that the administration’s expanded deployment of immigration officers—not local sanctuary policies—has destabilized the state.
Administration officials, however, have pointed to the scale and intensity of federal operations in Minneapolis as evidence of the risks created when local governments restrict cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Federal authorities note that Pretti’s death followed an earlier fatal shooting involving activist Renee Good during protests opposing immigration raids, incidents that have fueled weeks of demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement.
Federal officials maintain agents acted in self-defense in both cases, a claim disputed by witnesses, local leaders and family members.
In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump said Republican-led states have demonstrated that cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies can be carried out “peacefully and smoothly.”
He cited Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Louisiana, stating that ICE arrested 150,245 “criminal illegal aliens” in those states over the past year without major protests or riots.
According to Trump, the difference lies in whether local officials permit cooperation with ICE.
Trump contrasted those states with Democrat-run jurisdictions, accusing local leaders of refusing to assist ICE and emboldening left-wing activists to obstruct enforcement operations.
“By doing this, Democrats are putting Illegal Alien Criminals over Taxpaying, Law-Abiding Citizens,” Trump wrote, adding that two American citizens have died amid what he described as “Democrat ensued chaos.”
He called on Walz, Frey and Democratic leaders nationwide to reverse course.
Trump demanded that state and local authorities turn over all illegal aliens currently held in jails and prisons, as well as those with active warrants or known criminal histories, for immediate deportation.
He also called for local police to assist federal agents in apprehending and detaining illegal aliens wanted for crimes.
“Local Police must assist Federal Law Enforcement,” Trump wrote, calling the approach “rooted in common sense.”
Local officials have pushed back against those demands, Politico notes.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the city is complying with existing law and emphasized that local police do not operate jails or prisons.
“It’s not on the Minneapolis Police Department or local law enforcement to hand folks over that are in jails,” O’Hara said during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” citing jurisdictional limits and staffing shortages.
Trump’s comments drew support from Republican lawmakers, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who praised the president’s stance and announced plans to introduce legislation ending sanctuary jurisdiction policies.
Graham called such policies “net losers for the country” and urged Democrats to support reforms aimed at restoring cooperation between federal and local authorities.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed Trump’s criticism of Minnesota’s leadership, accusing Walz and Frey of prioritizing rhetoric over public safety.
“They’re going to continue to put criminals and corrupt illegal aliens above the people in that city and state,” Noem said in a Fox News interview, adding that federal officials would continue enforcement efforts regardless of local resistance.
Trump concluded by urging Congress to pass legislation ending sanctuary cities nationwide, arguing that American cities should be “Safe Sanctuaries for Law Abiding American Citizens ONLY.”
He said his administration remains open to cooperation with Democratic leaders but will continue enforcement operations in jurisdictions that refuse to partner with federal authorities.
