President Trump Agrees to Reduce ICE Operations after Speaking with State Officials

By Okon Ekpenyong

The ongoing protests against federal ICE operations and the tragic deaths of individuals like Renee Good and Alex Pretti raise concerns among Minnesota residents and communities across the country about safety and community cohesion.

Minnesota is home to about 15 Fortune 500 companies, and it has a significant corporate presence, especially in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. It excels in healthcare with United Healthcare, retail with Target and Best Buy, food with General Mills, and finance with US Bank. Attractions like the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Mall of America also stand out. But these days, folks aren’t talking about that; instead, they’re talking about the ice surge in Minnesota and the daily large protests against it.

And now 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies like Target, 3M, Mayo Clinic, and UnitedHealth Group have issued a joint letter calling for peace and cooperation. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce was the first to report on this, urging immediate de-escalation and unity among federal, state, and local leaders.

The letter does not say anything about stopping the ice operation but proposes a bipartisan approach to address this to avoid another life lost. This encourages community members to feel hopeful and part of a shared effort for calm and cooperation.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz finally spoke with President Trump after weeks of urging for a calming approach, and now the president will work to reduce the federal surge in the state. The president also took a call from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, saying that a lot of progress is being made.” President Trump’s White House Border Czar Tom Homan will meet with the Mayor this week.

Before the two leaders spoke, the president urged Democratic governors and mayors to cooperate with the Trump administration in enforcing laws, rather than resisting and inciting division and violence. He called for the transfer of all incarcerated illegal aliens and those with active warrants to federal authorities for immediate deportation. This call to action has not sat well, even with some Republican leaders, and now CEOs have expressed concerns about its impact on Minnesota’s economy and culture.

“This is one of the strongest unified statements from Minnesota’s corporate sector in recent years, signaling concern about safety, disruption, and community trust,” per multiple reports.

“With the tragic loss of Alex’s life, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local, and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the letter reads.

Executives and organizations who signed the letter, included Target, Best Buy, General Mills, Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Minnesota’s major sports teams (Timberwolves, Vikings, Twins, Lynx, Wild, United FC), healthcare systems (Allina, Fairview, HealthPartners, Children’s Minnesota), food and agriculture giants (Cargill, Land O’Lakes, Hormel), and financial and tech firms (US Bancorp, Piper Sandler, SPS Commerce).

Behind closed doors, some of these business leaders have communicated with state and White House officials to tone down the temperament even before the letters went out, fostering a sense of trust and hope for constructive dialogue.

The letter calls for ‘immediate de-escalation of tensions’ following the shootings. It urges officials to work together for real solutions that prioritize safety and community well-being, making families feel protected and valued.

This letter shows that even large corporations are closely watching ICE’s actions. Immigrant families and community members are encouraged to stay informed, know their rights, build coalitions, and speak out. You can read the full letter from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce here to learn how you can participate in ongoing efforts.

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