Statement from Leader Niska Regarding Current Public Disorder

ST. PAUL – House Republican Floor Leader Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, issued the following statement:

“During times of unrest, the words and choices of elected leaders matter. We are accountable for what we say and we must speak thoughtfully, especially in times of crisis. Time and again, Governor Walz has failed that test. Instead of calming tensions, he has fueled fear and anger by falsely claiming Minnesota is ‘at war’ with the federal government, ‘under attack’ by ICE, and by smearing federal agents as the ‘modern-day Gestapo.’

“This kind of extreme and reckless rhetoric makes everyone less safe, fans the flames of hate and division, and emboldens Minnesotans to interfere with and attack federal law enforcement, putting themselves and officers in harm’s way.

“Across the country, thousands of criminal illegal immigrants are arrested and deported every day without riots, without chaos, and without violent confrontations because state and local governments coordinate with federal immigration authorities.

“Here in Minnesota, the solution is straightforward. Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and other elected leaders should end sanctuary policies and cooperate with federal law enforcement to identify, arrest, and detain criminal illegal immigrants. Defying federal law and demonizing federal law enforcement is not working and is only making the situation worse.”