Political Tensions Surge Amid US ICE Controversy

The White House holds Democratic leaders in Minnesota accountable for deadly ICE encounters, as President Trump calls for federal-local cooperation against illegal immigrants. Amid protests and political fallout, the administration faces scrutiny over its immigration enforcement policies and the role of sanctuary cities.

On Monday, political tensions in the United States intensified as the White House condemned Democratic leadership in Minnesota for recent deadly incidents involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protests erupted nationwide following the killing of two civilians earlier this month.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, referring to the situation as a 'tragedy.' Her statement was coupled with President Donald Trump's social media comments about his encouraging phone call with Walz, indicating their shared perspectives.

Trump reinforced the message, urging Democratic governors and mayors, including Walz and Frey, to cooperate with federal law enforcement. He charged that resistance from sanctuary cities caused 'division, chaos, and violence' and demanded the abolition of sanctuary city policies as they exacerbate public safety issues.

Through Truth Social, Trump argued for the handover of all criminal illegal aliens in state prisons and jails to federal agencies, emphasizing immediate deportation. He cited the need for state police cooperation with federal detention efforts, heralding American cities as sanctuaries for law-abiding citizens only.

Trump's claims extended to criticizing President Biden, alleging a surge of 'illegal alien criminals' and touting his administration's unprecedented deportation efforts. He praised Republican states for facilitating ICE operations.

Elected Democrats faced accusations of neglecting citizen safety and using state funds to hinder immigration law enforcement. Leavitt charged Walz with misleading narratives about federal officers and alleged that nearly 500 undocumented immigrants with criminal records were released rather than transferred to federal custody.

Conflict surfaced over Trump's intentions to deploy additional federal agents to Minnesota following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents. Walz accused Trump of sending 'untrained agents' to exacerbate Minnesota's issues, while federal authorities withheld key details regarding Pretti's death.

Legal battles ensued over whether federal immigration operations breached state sovereignty. The fallout follows two fatal ICE incidents, with victims including Renee Good and Alex Pretti, igniting protests in cities like Minneapolis and New York.

President Trump's defense of ICE actions faced backlash, notably from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who criticized the president's statements as 'insane.' Congressional Democrats warned of potential measures to block federal funding absent reforms to immigration enforcement.

(With inputs from agencies.)