Protesters gather as Homeland Security Secretary Noem visits Minnesota for ICE briefing

Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, spoke about the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in Minnesota on Friday.

As part of the administration’s larger initiative to strengthen immigration laws across the country, Secretary Noem talked about increased ICE enforcement activities in Minnesota.

Noem provided scant details on how enforcement will be stepped up or what resources might be increased in the state, but he did describe intentions to prioritize arresting those with criminal records and those with awaiting deportation orders.

Additionally, she did not clarify if President Trump intends to send the National Guard to help.

“I am here today to implore everyone in Minnesota, the Midwest, and our nation to stand by your law enforcement officers, to stand by them, and to defend them while they go out and do their jobs,” Noem stated.

Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, was also chastised by Noem for the city’s long-standing rule that workers are not allowed to cooperate with civil immigration enforcement.

Prior to the visit, Frey said in a statement that the city welcomes all of its citizens, regardless of their immigration status.

Before Noem spoke, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Fort Snelling’s Bishop Whipple Building. Dozens of interfaith leaders were present, and they began with a prayer.

Currently residing in Minneapolis, Richard Lanford is a retired pastor of the Church of Christ. He was carrying a placard that read, “You embraced me even though I was a stranger.” According to Lanford, ICE’s actions are blatantly in odds with what Christ taught.