Vance Plans Minneapolis Visit Amid Rising Tensions
Vice President JD Vance said he will try to calm tensions in Minneapolis during a planned visit later Thursday. He will meet with ICE officers and local community members.
At the same time, Vance criticized both city officials and protesters for creating what he described as an unsafe environment for federal agents.
“If you disagree, make your argument at the ballot box, in newspapers, or on social media,” Vance said. “Don’t go into the streets and attack federal law enforcement. It’s cowardly, and it has to stop.”
Background on Minneapolis Incident
The remarks came before Vance’s roundtable and speech in Minneapolis. The city has been on edge following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, by a federal officer.
Trump and Vance have suggested, without conclusive evidence, that Good was linked to left-wing protesters and posed a threat to officers.
Advice to Local Officials
Vance told his Toledo audience that he would advise Minneapolis officials to “turn down the chaos” and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“My advice is simple: stop fighting immigration enforcement and accept the need for secure borders,” he said. “Most communities across the country, both red and blue, are cooperating. Minneapolis should do the same.”
Mistakes Happen, Cooperation Helps
Both Trump and Vance acknowledged that ICE and law enforcement sometimes make mistakes.
“Of course mistakes happen,” Vance said. “But 99% of our officers do the right thing. The best way to reduce errors is for local authorities to cooperate with federal agencies.”
Dispute With Local Leaders
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have disputed the ICE claims about Good. They are also under federal investigation to determine whether state officials obstructed federal immigration operations.
Vance said one of his goals is to calm tensions and find out how both federal and local authorities can improve.
Focus on Public Safety
He emphasized that ICE operations are critical for removing sex offenders from communities.
“If a neighbor is a sex offender and someone wants to remove them, I support it,” Vance said. “We need local authorities to help federal officers protect the community.”
