JD Vance delivered a candid assessment of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, insisting the operations are guided by law, not politics. “We’re not trying to send a political message. We’re trying to enforce the law,” he said, responding to questions about the political optics of Operation Metro Surge.
VP JD Vance in Minneapolis: “We're not trying to send a political message. We're trying to enforce the law.”
— America (@america) January 22, 2026
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Vance emphasized that federal officers are not targeting communities for political reasons but are carrying out their legal duties under administrative and judicial warrants. He defended ICE’s approach to sensitive situations, including enforcement actions that have involved American citizens, asserting that arrests occur when individuals assault officers—not based on race or immigration status.
The Vance-led briefing highlighted the challenges faced by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, including violent confrontations during operations and a lack of cooperation from certain local officials. Despite this, he remained clear-eyed about the mission: ensuring safety, enforcing the law, and protecting federal officers from assault.
“There’s been a very unique, Minneapolis-specific reaction to our enforcement of federal immigration laws,” Vance said. “What I’m trying to do today is understand why that is. I just need them to empower their local officials to help our federal officials in a way where this can be less chaotic and more targeted.”
Vice President Vance sends a message to local Minneapolis officials:
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) January 22, 2026
“We can make the worst moments of chaos much less common, and all they've got to do is meet us halfway…we need some cooperation from state and local officials. I just hope they give it.” pic.twitter.com/pIqDB9FPsS
He also stressed that federal law enforcement wants to work collaboratively, citing communication with business leaders and local officials to reduce disruptions. Vance framed the operations as a matter of public safety: removing dangerous offenders and keeping streets safe for the community, not making a political statement.
“These officers want to communicate with local officials, talk to local business leaders. Many of these officers are members of the Minneapolis community. Many of the officials I met today who work in federal immigration enforcement—this is their home, they love this place, these are their neighbors. They want this to work a lot more smoothly,” Vance said.
