The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police (MNFOP) issued a strong public statement Thursday declaring its support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, following widespread backlash against federal law enforcement over a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Titled “FOP Stands with ICE,” the statement criticized elected officials for what the organization described as dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric.
The MNFOP emphasized that law enforcement officers, both federal and local, face increasingly hostile environments while performing their duties. The statement specifically called out Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other political figures, accusing them of escalating tensions with inflammatory remarks that undermine public trust and place officers at greater risk.
According to the MNFOP, federal officers operating in Minnesota have been “vilified” over the past month despite carrying out their duties within the bounds of the law. The union stated that the job of law enforcement is inherently dangerous, and political leaders have made it worse by rushing to judgment and fueling public anger after incidents like Wednesday’s shooting.
The organization also criticized the double standard applied by some public officials, who are quick to condemn law enforcement actions without waiting for full investigations or verified facts. The MNFOP urged politicians to call for calm, rather than inflame the situation with premature or politicized statements.
“The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police condemns these attacks on law enforcement and calls on politicians and leaders to stop the anti-law enforcement rhetoric and to ask for calm while the facts come out,” the statement concluded.
The MNFOP’s remarks echoed concerns raised the day prior by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which also condemned what it called “reckless rhetoric” from public officials targeting ICE agents and other members of law enforcement.
As public debate intensifies over immigration enforcement and use of force, law enforcement organizations are drawing a clear line—warning that political grandstanding is making an already difficult job even more dangerous.
