‘Let him think he won’: Inside Minnesota Dems’ effort to fend off Trump’s immigration surge
Democratic leaders in Minnesota faced an intense seven-week immigration crackdown that resulted in two Americans’ deaths, revealing previously unreported details. Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison described the pressure, internal debates, and strategic choices behind the crackdown, including how immigration policies were communicated and enforced.
The article documents the internal tensions among statewide officials as they navigated political risk, public safety concerns, and humanitarian considerations, showing how their decisions evolved under scrutiny from law enforcement, immigrant communities, and Republican opponents. It also highlights the human impact of the crackdown, including the consequences for families and communities affected by the policy shifts.
Officials emphasize that the crackdown aimed to balance security with justice, while critics argue it disproportionately targeted immigrants and fueled fear. The reporting provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes account of decision-making, messaging, and the political stakes in Minnesota during the immigration surge.