Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) released the following statement following reports of an ICE enforcement activity that resulted in use of force:

“Today’s events are frustrating and tragic, and we are exhausted that Minnesota is once again in the headlines for violence and chaos. This tragedy is the result of escalating tensions led by Governor Walz, who has used inflammatory rhetoric against law enforcement, called this lawful operation an ‘occupation,’ and encouraged Minnesotans to resist rather than comply with law enforcement. His actions have turned this into a propaganda war. In many states, top leaders fully cooperate with ICE and DHS, and people are safer because of it. I’m calling on all levels of government to come to the table and cooperate to keep people safe. Senate Republicans urge immediate discussions to plan a peaceful path forward and restore order; we can’t wait for more headlines.”