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DHS Slams Gov. Walz Over Immigration Enforcement Concerns Amidst Minnesota Fraud Scandal
Minneapolis, MN – As Minnesota grapples with a sprawling fraud scheme, a heated exchange has erupted between Governor Tim Walz and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis. DHS Assistant Secretary McLaughlin delivered a sharp rebuke to Governor Walz’s call for a “reassessment” of the agency’s strategy, accusing him of spreading “misinformation” and urging him to focus on public safety.
The controversy stems from a letter sent by Governor Walz to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing “serious concern” regarding arrests of U.S. citizens by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Walz specifically cited instances involving a U.S. citizen named “Sue” and another individual, “Mubashir,” who he claims were detained without proper justification or in violation of their rights.
McLaughlin, however, offered a starkly different account. She informed our news outlet that “Sue,” identified as Susan Tincher, was arrested after allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a “targeted enforcement operation” aimed at apprehending Quiquintuna Capuz, an Ecuadoran individual with a prior felony conviction for assaulting a police officer. McLaughlin asserted that Tincher “assaulted a federal agent, tried to break through a security perimeter set up for public safety, ignored lawful commands, and became violent.”
DHS officials emphasized a troubling trend of individuals obstructing law enforcement, with McLaughlin noting a “more than 1050% increase in assaults and an 8000% increase in death threats” against officers. “Obstructing law enforcement is not protesting; it is a crime,” McLaughlin stated firmly, echoing Secretary Noem’s stance that those who assault law enforcement will face full prosecution.
In his letter, Walz urged Secretary Noem to review recent arrests to ensure judicial warrants are in place and to clarify the legal standards for citizens documenting law enforcement actions. He argued that the “forcefulness, lack of communication and unlawful practices” displayed by federal agents are unacceptable in Minnesota, expressing concerns about due process and trust between communities and federal authorities.
“This series of incidents raises serious concerns about civil liberties and trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities,” Walz reiterated in a statement, emphasizing that Minnesotans value civic engagement and that detaining citizens for lawfully exercising their rights sends a “deeply disturbing message.”
Later in the day, Walz issued a statement accusing federal authorities of “stoking fear and provoking Minnesotans,” urging residents to “stay safe and remain peaceful if you’re interacting with ICE.”
DHS quickly fired back on social media, stating that “for the past 6 years, Minnesotans have lived in fear for their lives, their families, and their property as you’ve let criminal illegal aliens run wild in your state.” The post directly challenged the governor: “Governor, do you stand with the illegal aliens we’re taking off YOUR streets or with Americans?”
This escalating dispute unfolds against the backdrop of a massive fraud scheme in Minneapolis, estimated to potentially exceed $1 billion in misused state and federal funds. The scandal, which has implicated various nonprofits and departments, has drawn severe criticism from Republican lawmakers who point fingers at Governor Walz. State Representative Mark Koran suggested that the Walz administration is either “extraordinarily incompetent or willfully complicit” in the fraud.
Our news team reached out to Governor Walz for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.