Statement from the U.S. Conference of Mayors Following Death of Another Protestor in Minneapolis

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Below is a statement from the U.S. Conference of Mayors following the death of another protestor in Minneapolis today:

"Today's death in Minneapolis represents another tragedy. As American mayors representing cities large and small - Republican, Democratic and Independent - we state today with a united voice that this turmoil must come to an end. No American - regardless of their views on immigration - wishes for our country to continue to endure this unnecessary conflict. We mourn with those affected and we stand with local leaders and local law enforcement courageously navigating this unnecessary chaos.

"Immigration enforcement has existed in the United States for well over a century. ICE as the federal immigration law enforcement agency has operated for 23 years, under both Republican and Democratic administrations. We restate this basic history as a reminder that immigration enforcement can exist and function in this country without national upheaval.

"What has occurred in recent weeks in Minneapolis and surrounding communities, and threatens to escalate around the country, is not acceptable. And history reminds us that it is absolutely avoidable.

"This week, the nation's mayors joined the nation's large city police chiefs in a statement calling for de-escalation. We reiterate that joint statement today, and the most important parts of that joint statement are worth repeating:

'The mayors and police chiefs of the United States urge all federal law enforcement agencies to model the professionalism and care that we expect from our local law enforcement agencies. We recognize that some situations can escalate, but we urge federal law enforcement leaders to insist upon calm, professionalism, and de-escalation from their officers at all times.

Similarly, we call on all residents exercising their First Amendment rights to pursue legal and non-violent protest. Regardless of the views or intentions of those engaging in protest activity, we do not condone protest actions that are violent, destroy property, obstruct law enforcement, or are intended to incite such behavior. We ask for civil discourse and for our residents who desire policy change to pursue it through the legal and political methods afforded us.'

"As mayors, we feel it is also imperative to state today that deadly confrontations like these erode public trust in law enforcement at every level, putting our own local police officers across the nation at added risk.

"The nation's mayors call for immediate intervention by national leaders to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota. This is not a partisan issue, it is an issue of national concern that demands statesmanship and leadership. This status quo is unacceptable, and bringing peace to the situation will require the immediate attention of the Administration, Congressional leaders and all those who have influence over our federal law enforcement agencies."

About the United States Conference of Mayors – The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Follow our work on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Medium.