Jacob Frey, the progressive mayor of Minneapolis, recently made headlines with his vow to make the city a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants and transgender individuals, publicly opposing President Trump’s immigration policies. His remarks were made alongside Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, a figure who has long stirred controversy in the political landscape.
Frey’s tenure as mayor has been marked by both praise and criticism. As a member of the far-left Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, he has faced backlash for his handling of the 2020 George Floyd riots and rising living costs in the city. His latest comments, however, sparked a major debate on social media, with many questioning his priorities.
The conservative account Libs of TikTok was quick to share a video of Frey’s speech, where he pledged that Minneapolis would remain a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants, regardless of their legal status, and would continue to protect the transgender community. Frey emphasized that the city should be a place of pride for all, no matter their background.
In response, social media users, especially from the conservative side, voiced strong reactions. Many expressed frustration over the focus on immigration amid Minneapolis’ own pressing issues, such as high rates of distressed loans and the city’s growing financial strain. Some critics even went so far as to label Frey’s remarks as potentially criminal, calling his actions a “foreign invasion.”
Other responses focused on Ilhan Omar, questioning her role and legal standing, with some calling for her to be held accountable for alleged immigration fraud. The debate also highlighted frustrations with the state of Minneapolis itself, with some commenting on how the city has changed over the years, urging people to leave if they value hard work and morality.
On a lighter note, some humorously suggested that the situation might serve as a model for the rest of the country. One commenter suggested that red states should send their undocumented immigrants to Minneapolis to see how long it takes before the city faces financial collapse.
Overall, while Mayor Frey’s comments have drawn sharp criticism, they have also sparked a broader conversation about immigration, local governance, and the future of sanctuary cities in the United States.