MN ICE

As the situation in Minneapolis unfolds people are getting a clearer understanding of what is happening. It revolves around three laws. The first is free speech and all parties are allowed to express their views without using language that could incite violence. Second is the law that says federal officials may request cooperation from local authorities but they cannot demand cooperation. The third is that local authorities cannot interfere with federal agents. The feds can claim that remarks by the governor caused people to interfere with agents but that is difficult to prove. State officials are smart enough to know just how far they can push without crossing the line. Citizens who interfere are subject to arrest but the same proof is required. A citizen can drive their car into a position that interferes with ICE but they can claim they were just driving by and to prove otherwise would be difficult. When a person is seen on video throwing rocks at federal agents the proof of interference may be easier. Polls show that voters want illegal felony migrants to be deported but less so for migrants whose only crime is crossing the border. Jurisdictions that do not have sanctuary policies, like Florida have higher rates of arrest because local authorities actively collaborate with federal agents. Operation Tidal Wave, is a Florida led initiative in partnership with federal agencies that has resulted in over 10,000 arrests in 2025 alone and 63% of those had prior criminal records. There is another issue that is difficult to quantify but has to do with national politics. Trump supporters want more cooperation between federal and state authorities and anti-Trumpers want less cooperation. As might be expected this is not helping solve the problem.