Vice President JD Vance visited Minneapolis on March 7, 2024, emphasizing the need for local officials to cooperate with the federal government amid an intensified immigration enforcement campaign. During his remarks, Vance attributed the ongoing chaos to “far-left people” and criticized state and local law enforcement for their responses to recent federal actions.
Vance stated, “We’re doing everything that we can to lower the temperature,” urging Minnesota leaders to “meet us halfway.” This call for cooperation comes as the Justice Department investigates top Democrats in the state, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, over allegations of obstructing immigration enforcement through their criticism of federal policies.
Federal Response and Local Pushback
The investigation has sparked accusations from Walz and Frey, who describe it as an attempt to intimidate political opposition. Vance spoke in front of a line of federal officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles, reinforcing the administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.
This visit follows a series of aggressive statements from the White House, including threats from President Donald Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act if unrest continues. While Vance acknowledged the option, he stated, “Right now, we don’t think that we need that.”
The deployment of federal agents to Minnesota earlier in the month was prompted by reports of child care fraud linked to Somali immigrants. Local officials, including Frey, have pushed back against what they view as excessive federal force, particularly following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three, by an ICE agent during a confrontation.
In a statement after Vance’s visit, Walz criticized the federal government’s approach, calling for targeted enforcement against violent offenders instead of random confrontations on the streets.
Controversies Surrounding Enforcement Tactics
Vance has defended the actions of ICE agents, including the controversial detention of a five-year-old boy while apprehending his father. “So the story is that ICE detained a five-year-old. Well, what are they supposed to do?” Vance argued, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
Questions have arisen regarding reports that federal authorities are asserting broad powers to enter homes without a judicial warrant. An internal ICE memo suggested a shift away from traditional guidelines that respect constitutional limits on searches. Vance maintained that warrants would still be part of immigration enforcement but did not clarify what type of warrant would be used.
During a stop in Toledo, Ohio, earlier that day, Vance acknowledged that immigration agents have made mistakes but declined to provide specifics. He reiterated that the solution lies in cooperation from local jurisdictions. “The number one way where we could lower the mistakes that are happening… is to have local jurisdictions that are cooperating with us,” he said.
In the wake of increased tensions, Minnesota faith leaders and labor unions have organized protests for March 8, 2024. Nearly 600 local businesses plan to shut down in solidarity, with hundreds of events expected nationwide, according to MoveOn spokesperson Britt Jacovich.
Vance’s remarks also included criticism of protesters who disrupted a church service in Minnesota. He described their actions as a violation of the law, asserting the right of worshippers to conduct their services without interruption.
As the political landscape evolves, Vance continues to push for a unified message regarding the administration’s economic policies while addressing immigration enforcement. With public sentiment indicating skepticism about the current economic situation, he urged voters to be patient. “You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight,” Vance remarked, referring to the challenges inherited from the previous administration.
