President Donald Trump accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of using immigration enforcement protests to distract from state fraud cases, claiming in social media posts Sunday that the officials were shielding criminals from federal deportation.
Trump defended recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota, stating that agents were targeting violent offenders. He characterized protesters as “highly paid professional agitators and anarchists” and questioned why state officials were opposing the enforcement actions.
“ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals in the World from our Country, and bring them back home, where they belong,” Trump wrote. “Why is Minnesota fighting this?”
The Accusations
Trump claimed Walz and Omar were using the ICE controversy to redirect attention from Minnesota’s fraud problems. “The crooked Governor and ‘Congresswoman’ Omar…don’t mind because it keeps the focus of attention off the 18 Billion Dollar, Plus, FRAUD, that has taken place in the State,” he posted.
Minnesota has dealt with multiple high-profile fraud cases involving misuse of public funds in federal nutrition and welfare programs. Several defendants have been convicted or charged, with investigations and prosecutions ongoing in some cases.
Officials Respond
Walz called for transparency regarding the ICE operations and questioned their scope and execution. Omar opposed the enforcement actions, saying they created fear in immigrant communities and raised civil rights concerns.
Walz also posted criticism on social media, comparing Trump’s rhetoric to authoritarian tactics. “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic,” he wrote.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News that opposition to ICE operations bordered on federal criminality. “When the governor or the mayor threaten our officers, that is very close to a federal crime,” Blanche said.
Ongoing Tensions
Demonstrations against ICE continue across parts of Minnesota as political debate intensifies over immigration enforcement and government oversight. The clash reflects broader disagreements between Trump administration officials and state leaders over federal authority and public safety priorities.