On Friday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dropped his two daughters—five-year-old Frida Jade and six-month-old Estelle Bloom—off at daycare. “One of the more stressful parts of my day is just figuring out how to carry all this stuff into daycare along with two kids,” Frey, 44, said by phone.

But going to work brings a different kind of weight. Nearly six years after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, Frey is once again a local leader on the front lines of a national crisis. The mayor is facing off against President Trump, who has made Minneapolis the epicenter of an aggressive immigration crackdown. In the largest ICE operation ever, an estimated 3,000 masked agents have raided homes and even schools, detaining residents—including children like five-year-old Liam Ramos, still carrying his Spider-Man backpack—and using deadly force to shoot and kill Renée Good and Alex Pretti in the street.

Neither battle-scarred Minneapolis nor its mayor are backing down. Frey famously told ICE to “get the fuck out.” Last week, more than 50,000 residents—including Frey in a hooded parka—took to the streets in subzero temperatures. Earlier this month, Minneapolis sued the Trump administration in federal court, arguing the ICE onslaught is unconstitutional; a ruling is expected soon. A week later, the Department of Justice subpoenaed Frey, Governor Tim Walz, and other local Democratic leaders critical of ICE, opening a federal investigation into unspecified offenses.

Frey said the White House did not respond to his request for an in-person meeting with the president, but he confirmed he had a “positive conversation” with Trump this week. “On the phone, he was affable,” Frey said, even “flattering at first”—though Trump later warned that Frey was “playing with fire” for stating that Minneapolis police would not assist ICE and have no legal obligation to do so.

When I traveled to Minneapolis to profile Mayor Frey for Vogue in late 2021, he told me that Floyd’s murder and its aftermath was “a time that changed me forever.” He is facing this latest crisis with thicker skin and more experience.

In a phone interview, Frey spoke about his call with Trump, the anxiety of being under federal investigation, parenting his daughters in tumultuous times, and what it means to be a patriot today.

Vogue: Loaded question: How are you doing? Maybe it’s better to ask how you’re doing today.

Mayor Jacob Frey: Look, we keep moving. Personally, I’m no victim. There are people having their constitutional rights trampled, families being ripped apart, businesses that have closed, and people in our streets who have suffered—they’re the ones who deserve real attention. Not to mention the tens of thousands in our city peacefully protesting, bringing groceries to those afraid to go outside, and standing guard at daycares. On one hand, I am buoyed by an incredible city. On the other, I’m being investigated by a Department of Justice that is being weaponized against local leaders simply for disagreeing.

Vogue: What is the status of that investigation, Mayor? Have there been any new developments since you were subpoenaed?

Mayor Jacob Frey: As in any legal case, there are deadlines to meet. But unlike other cases, I never imagined I would be criminally investigated by the federal government just for carrying out my core responsibilities as mayor: speaking for my constituents and keeping them safe. I know their claims are baseless and unconstitutional, and yes, it is very disconcerting to have the federal government come after you. Besides being mayor, I’m a husband [Frey is married to Sarah Clarke] and a dad. I have a six-month-old…My daughter is almost six months old, and I also have a five-year-old, who you’ve met. I just dropped them off at daycare. One of the most stressful parts of my day is figuring out how to carry all their stuff while keeping both kids safe from traffic.

Parenting through this crisis is a challenge. We’re seeing people shot dead in the streets and then going home to make our kids mac and cheese. How is this affecting you as a father? Does your oldest understand what’s happening?

It’s the oldest cliché that becoming a parent changes your perspective, but it’s absolutely true. That feeling only grows as your kids get older and start becoming their own people. I know Frida understands more than I think she does, but she doesn’t fully grasp the gravity of the situation. I haven’t told her that Trump is trying to have me criminally indicted, but she knows something bad is happening. She knows that people she cares about—teachers and friends—are scared. She also knows that we, both me as mayor and our city, are standing up for people we love. She has a very clear, almost Disney-like sense of right and wrong: there are good people in the world, and we’re going to do everything we can to be on the good side, even when it’s hard.

We have this Yiddish eight ball—like a Magic 8 Ball, but with Jewish grandmother phrases. This morning she asked it, “How do things connect together without wires?” I thought that was pretty impressive. That’s a good question.

There’s a nationwide strike today in solidarity with Minneapolis and in protest of ICE. Do you feel that support from across the country?

It didn’t really hit me until yesterday. For the first time in months, I wasn’t in Minneapolis. I was in D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. These mayors have incredibly demanding jobs, but their attention was focused on Minneapolis. Their heart, their thoughts, their support for our city—you could feel it in the room. That meant a lot to me.

You spoke to President Trump this week, and he said it was a “very good” conversation. Do you feel the same way?

It was a good conversation, yeah. He’s not wrong. It was positive.

Was that the first time you’ve spoken since ICE arrived in Minneapolis?

Yes. We had reached out a few weeks earlier to request a meeting. I was ready to go to D.C., but they never got back to us.

The headline was that you both agreed “the present situation cannot continue.” How did you reach that consensus? I would have thought the president would be defensive about ICE’s actions.

He wasn’t. This wasn’t a hard-driving negotiation. It was clear that the current situation isn’t sustainable. He instructed the border czar, Tom Homan, to come to Minneapolis. There have been some staffing changes, and Homan was directed to lower the temperature.

Do you think Homan will make a difference?

I’m hopeful, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Our understanding is that there will be a reduction in federal agents. How many and when still remains to be seen. Again, I’ll believe it when I see it, but that’s the message they’ve delivered—both drawing down agents and changing tactics. I don’t think we’ve seen that yet.

How uncomfortable was that call with the president, given the subpoena and the insults he’s thrown at you?

Insults are whatever—you put those aside. I’ve been insulted plenty in my career. The subpoena is something entirely different. In that moment, you do your best. We started out talking about the East Coast. I’m from the East Coast…Frey is from Virginia, as is he, obviously. It seems like—and we saw this with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, too—Trump doesn’t have the same bluster when he’s speaking directly to someone as he does when he’s posting online.

On the phone, he was friendly. He started off with some flattery, and I said I must have gotten that from my mom, who’s from Queens. Of course, he’s also from Queens. I mentioned my mom is from Fresh Meadows, and he brought up the Fresh Meadows theater. We just chatted about New York City for a bit.

Did he praise your directness, or… what was it about you that he was complimenting?

I’d rather not go into too much detail.

I understand. One of the cases from Minneapolis getting national attention is that of Liam Ramos, the five-year-old boy detained by ICE. There are now reports that he’s sick in ICE detention. Do you know the latest on what’s being done to get him home?

I don’t. I should get an update. Under normal circumstances, you could focus entirely on a case like this, and of course we want to help however we can, but right now we’re also dealing with an influx of 3,000 to 4,000 federal agents and border patrol.

Will Minneapolis be able to investigate the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, even with the Justice Department pressuring the FBI to drop investigations and not cooperating with local and state officials? Will there be answers and justice for these two people?

These cases will be investigated because they have to be. Ethics and morality demand it. Justice requires it. There are positive steps being taken by the BCA, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, at the state level. They should be handling this. Initially, after Renée Good was killed, we were told the FBI and the BCA would investigate together. That was the plan until we learned the FBI was blocking the BCA from critical evidence and information. My response is, if you have nothing to hide, welcome the scrutiny. I hope the BCA will investigate both cases, and I know steps are being taken to make that happen.

When we met in 2021, after George Floyd’s murder, you told me that period changed you forever. What lessons did you learn from that crisis that you’re applying now?

I’ll answer that, but let me make another point first. Back then, we talked about the essential culture shift needed in our police department. Fast-forward four or five years, and our police are now widely recognized for their restraint and de-escalation skills. Some of the harshest critics from our last conversation are now applauding the Minneapolis Police Department and contrasting their approach with the federal agents. That said, we are extremely short-staffed. Officers are still handling all their regular duties, and they’ve been incredible. They’re tired. Days off have been canceled. One of my concerns now is fatigue. When they make a mistake, the consequences can be life or death.

One thing I’ve noticed since 2020, 2021, and 2022 is that I used to be more scripted. For a few years, I—and I’m sure many other politicians—was worried about saying the wrong thing or stepping on a landmine. Now I have talking points, but I’m less scripted and a lot more authentic. I’ve realized people can tell when you’re being real and when you’re faking it.

There’s that now-famous press conference where you told ICE to “get the fuck out of Minneapolis.” Did you plan to say it that way, or did you get fired up in the moment?

I knew I was going to say something forceful going out there. It wasn’t written in the speech. I wasn’t entirely sure how that force would come out, and I didn’t necessarily know it would be an F-bomb.Some have argued that my actions increased tensions, but I believe they actually helped to lessen them. In that moment, my constituents needed to be heard. It was about honestly addressing what needs to happen and telling them, “I know you’re angry. I hear you.” I think that’s what many people want from the Democratic Party right now.

So, what do Democrats most need to do to respond to this moment and regain power in the midterms and in 2028? It’s a big question.

I’ve heard from business leaders and even some politicians who say, “If I speak out too much, I might become a target.” But if you don’t speak out, we all become targets. Locally, people don’t see me as a radical leftist. I’m progressive and left-leaning nationally, but in Minneapolis, I’ve often been the one to say, “Hold on a second.” There have been plenty of times when I’ve disagreed with local activists, much to their frustration. But right now, they are right to speak out and protest. What we’re seeing is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Is the Democratic Party doing enough to combat this? We all need to be doing more. I don’t pretend to understand all the workings of the federal government. I met with Senator Chuck Schumer just yesterday—a brilliant mind and an excellent leader. As a mayor, it would be easy for me to say, “You need to do more.” But I think everyone is trying to navigate a time when the foundational norms of our democracy are being sledgehammered. A reporter recently asked me, “If you get a favorable court decision, what if Donald Trump ignores it?” It’s the right question to ask, but it’s shocking that we’re even in this position. Everyone is doing their best to navigate it. We need to stand up and have the courage to be patriots.

I know you’re a runner. Are you still running through this crisis, even in below-zero weather? I haven’t gotten many runs in this past week, but I was hoping to get one in today or tomorrow. I really need it.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Mayor Jacob Frey on Trump Patriotism and Parenting in Crisis

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 Who is Jacob Frey
Jacob Frey is the mayor of Minneapolis Minnesota He was first elected in 2017 and has been a prominent figure in city politics especially during periods of national and local crisis

2 What did Mayor Frey say about President Trump
Mayor Frey has been critical of former President Trump particularly regarding his rhetoric and policies He has often framed his criticism around the idea that true patriotism involves unity accountability and caring for all citizens which he felt was lacking

3 What does patriotism mean in this context
In this context Mayor Frey defines patriotism not just as love of country but as active love for ones fellow citizens It involves working to improve the community ensuring justice and protecting democratic values especially during difficult times

4 Why is he talking about raising his daughters
He mentions raising his two young daughters to highlight the personal stakes of leadership during a crisis He discusses the challenge of guiding the next generation with hope and integrity while navigating a turbulent political and social climate

Advanced Practical Questions

5 How does Mayor Frey connect criticism of a president to patriotism
Frey argues that constructive criticism and holding leaders accountable are patriotic duties essential for a healthy democracy He believes blind loyalty can be harmful and that questioning authority when necessary strengthens the nation

6 What specific crises was he referring to when discussing this
He was likely referring to overlapping crises such as the COVID19 pandemic the national reckoning on racial justice following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and deep political polarization

7 What are the practical challenges of leading a city during such a polarized time
Key challenges include balancing public safety with civil liberties managing misinformation addressing deep community trauma and implementing policies that are perceived as fair by vastly different segments of the population

8 Can you give an example of how his view of patriotism translates to policy
Policies focused on equitable recovery investing in communitybased public safety initiatives and ensuring transparent accessible local government are examples of his approach to patriotic governance that serves all residents

9 What tips or insights did he offer for other parents or leaders in crisis