Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley criticized Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz for what she called insufficient action to remove ICE from parts of the city, calling current conditions an "occupation." She plans to introduce a resolution urging Walz to declare an eviction moratorium so residents can shelter in place. Wonsley praised Attorney General Keith Ellison's legal efforts and rejected calls from local leaders to "stand down," saying residents interpret that as inaction. The protests followed the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
Minneapolis Council Member Accuses Mayor, Governor Of Failing To Push ICE Out; Seeks Eviction Moratorium
Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley speaks to an angry crowd of bystanders near the scene where federal agents shot and killed a woman earlier on Portland Ave. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.(Getty Images)
Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley sharply criticized city and state leaders on Thursday, arguing they have not done enough to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from parts of the city or to protect residents amid ongoing protests.
Wonsley Calls For An Eviction Moratorium
Wonsley said she will introduce a council resolution urging Governor Tim Walz to declare an eviction moratorium in Minneapolis so people can "shelter in place" while ICE operations continue. She described parts of the city as living under an ICE "occupation," and said residents are reluctant to travel through certain areas because they fear for their safety.
"This is why we need the governor to also demonstrate an ounce of courage in this moment and make sure people can shelter in place as a protective measure while ICE is in our community," Wonsley said. "And then he, and our current mayor, and other elected officials need to do more as well."
On-The-Ground Dangers And Frustration With Local Leaders
Wonsley said protesters and residents are risking their safety, alleging that federal agents have used flash grenades, tear gas canisters and even assault rifles in confrontations. "Residents are demonstrating a huge amount of courage right now. And it's not being matched by our elected officials to do everything we can to get ICE out of our community," she said.
During the interview, CNN host Sara Sidner referenced Mayor Jacob Frey's warning to protesters not to "take the bait" and his comment that the situation was unsustainable. Wonsley rejected that framing, saying she was "confused as to what bait is being taken" and that calls to "stand down" signal to residents that officials will not take action themselves.
Jacob Frey, mayor of Minneapolis, during a news conference at City Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announces that he would not be seeking reelection Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at a press conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Efforts to reach the offices of Mayor Frey and Governor Walz for comment were not immediately successful.
Legal Action And Political Identity
Wonsley praised Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for attempting to sue the federal government to limit ICE operations in the state. Early in the interview, after being labeled a Democrat, Wonsley identified herself as the first Black Democratic Socialist member of the Minneapolis City Council.
Governor Walz's Message
Governor Walz publicly urged de-escalation, posting on X that people should speak out "loudly, urgently, but also peacefully," and warning against inflaming the situation.
Context
Protests in Minneapolis intensified following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. The incident has heightened tensions and renewed calls from some local leaders and activists for restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in the city.
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