Key Takeaways
• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sharply criticized the Trump administration in a New York Times op-ed.
• He contrasted the federal help after a 2007 bridge collapse with today’s lack of cooperation.
• Frey condemned ICE operations in Minneapolis and a fatal shooting of a local resident.
• He warned other mayors that cities must lead in welcoming and protecting immigrants.
Last week, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wrote a fiery piece in The New York Times. He called out the Trump administration for failing his city in times of crisis. He described how things once worked very differently under President George W. Bush. In 2007, after a deadly bridge collapse, politics “stopped at the water’s edge.” Today, Frey says, the Trump administration treats Minneapolis as if it does not matter.
A Tale of Two Responses
In his op-ed, Frey recalled that in 2007, a highway bridge in Minneapolis collapsed and killed 13 people. Even though his city leaders opposed President Bush’s politics, Bush came right away. He offered help and comfort. Federal aid and state relief arrived quickly. Politics took a back seat to human need.
However, Frey argues, those days are gone under the Trump administration. Today, he says federal leaders ignore calls for help. They even refuse disaster aid to Minneapolis. He feels the contrast shows how divided the nation has become.
Mayor Frey Blasts Trump Administration on ICE
Frey saved his strongest words for recent events involving ICE agents in his city. He described a shocking incident where an ICE agent shot and killed a Minneapolis woman named Renee Good. She was not accused of violence or a serious crime. Body-cam footage shows her trying to drive away when the officer fired.
According to the mayor, the Trump administration then spread a false story. They claimed the victim had tried to run the agent over and acted like a terrorist. Frey calls these claims “lies” that demonize immigrants and their neighbors. He pointed out that the White House blocked a local investigation into the shooting.
By defending the lie about this avoidable tragedy, Frey says, the Trump administration sends a chilling message. He warns residents that if they show up for their immigrant neighbors, they might lose their rights or even their lives.
How Politics “Stopped at the Water’s Edge”
Frey’s op-ed title echoes a famous line about putting aside politics during wartime. He reminds readers that President Bush once set aside party differences to aid Minneapolis. In contrast, the current administration has made politics into a weapon. Instead of providing help, it withholds relief and spreads fear.
Moreover, Frey says, this divide hurts everyone. When cities can’t rely on federal help, they must find other ways to cope. Taxpayers and local leaders feel the strain. Families waiting for disaster aid or police support suffer most of all.
A Warning to Other Mayors
Frey spoke directly to mayors of other Democratic cities. He said they stand on the front lines of a “dark hour” in U.S. politics. Yet he also offered a hopeful vision. He believes that after this moment passes, city leaders can show the nation a better path forward.
He urged mayors to prove that welcoming immigrants makes communities stronger. By lifting up newcomers and protecting their rights, cities can set an example. He said this work will help convince the country to embrace diversity and inclusion.
What This Means for Cities
Frey’s op-ed raises key questions for leaders everywhere:
• How do we ensure local safety when federal help is uncertain?
• What role should cities play in protecting immigrant neighbors?
• Can mayors unite across party lines to solve shared problems?
He argues that the answers lie in local action. City councils, police chiefs, school boards and community groups must collaborate. By offering services, legal aid and open dialogue, they can fill the gaps left by a divided federal government.
Moreover, Frey stresses the power of example. When one city shows progress in social programs or public safety, others often follow. He believes that practical solutions and kind treatment will win public support.
Moving Forward Together
In closing, Mayor Frey struck a confident tone. He said cities have faced hard times before and emerged stronger. He believes that Minneapolis will recover from its crises. Then, he hopes, other cities will take note and share their best ideas.
By standing up for immigrants and insisting on the truth, Frey feels local leaders can build trust. He said that leadership on the ground can overcome political gridlock in Washington. In the end, he hopes the work of mayors and city staff will heal national divisions.
FAQs
Why did Mayor Frey compare responses under Bush and Trump?
He wanted to show how federal help used to come quickly after disasters. He contrasted that spirit of cooperation with the current administration’s refusal to aid Minneapolis.
What happened in the ICE shooting case?
An ICE agent in Minneapolis shot and killed Renee Good. Video shows her trying to drive away when the officer fired. The Trump administration claimed she attacked the agent, but Frey calls this a lie.
How does Frey suggest cities should respond?
He urges mayors to protect immigrant rights, offer local services, and work together across party lines. He believes cities can lead by example and rebuild trust.
What message does this send nationally?
Frey warns that when federal leaders deny aid and spread false stories, it undermines public safety and divides communities. He says local action can heal those wounds and show the country a better way.