Top House GOP Leader Demands Tim Walz Resign as Minneapolis Erupts Over ICE Shooting

“Tim Walz” by Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0

Published January 26, 2025

Minneapolis, Minnesota — A senior Republican leader in the U.S. House is calling for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to resign, accusing him of losing control of public safety as Minneapolis descends into unrest following a deadly ICE-involved shooting that has sparked days of protests and violence.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), the third-ranking Republican in the House, said Walz’s leadership has failed once again as chaos grips the state’s largest city.

“Governor Walz has proven he is incapable of maintaining order or protecting Minnesotans,” Emmer said, arguing that the governor’s response mirrors what he described as past failures during previous riots in Minneapolis. “This crisis was preventable.”

Shooting Sparks Protests and Disorder

The controversy erupted after a federal immigration enforcement operation ended with an ICE agent shooting and killing a man in south Minneapolis. Federal authorities claim the individual posed a threat during the encounter, while activists and local leaders dispute that account, fueling outrage across the city.

Within hours, protests erupted near the shooting site and quickly spread downtown. Demonstrations escalated into vandalism, looting, and clashes with police, prompting road closures and emergency responses from local authorities.

Businesses were boarded up as crowds flooded the streets, with chants condemning ICE and demanding the removal of federal agents from Minnesota.

Walz Faces Mounting Political Pressure

Governor Walz condemned the shooting and called for a “full and transparent investigation,” while simultaneously criticizing the presence of federal immigration agents in the state. His administration has blamed federal authorities for inflaming tensions.

However, Republicans argue that Walz’s rhetoric has only emboldened unrest.

According to critics, the governor’s refusal to cooperate fully with federal enforcement, combined with delayed responses to violence, has placed public safety at risk.

The Gateway Pundit reported that calls for Walz’s resignation are growing, with conservative leaders accusing him of prioritizing political ideology over law and order.

Federal Response and National Implications

The unrest has reignited national debate over immigration enforcement, federal authority, and the role of state leaders during civil disorder. The White House has warned that continued violence could trigger stronger federal action if local and state officials fail to restore order.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is reviewing the incident, and federal agencies are monitoring the situation closely.

A Familiar Flashpoint for Minneapolis

This latest crisis marks yet another moment where Minneapolis finds itself at the center of a national political storm. Critics say the city has become symbolic of failed progressive governance, while supporters of Walz argue that federal actions are deliberately provoking unrest.

As protests continue and political tensions rise, pressure on Governor Walz shows no sign of easing — with Republicans making it clear they believe accountability starts at the top.

Implications of the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the GOP calls for Gov. Tim Walz to resign:

1. Political Implications

• National Spotlight on Minnesota: The incident puts Gov. Walz and Minneapolis under intense national scrutiny, making the state a flashpoint for debates on law enforcement and immigration.

• Partisan Pressure: Republicans, led by House GOP leaders like Tom Emmer, are using the shooting to question Democratic leadership, framing it as “lawlessness under Walz.”

• Election Messaging: Both parties may leverage the unrest for messaging in upcoming elections, with Republicans focusing on public safety failures and Democrats defending state actions.

2. Law Enforcement and Federal-State Relations

• Tension Between State and Federal Authorities: Walz’s criticism of ICE and calls for federal withdrawal highlight ongoing conflicts over jurisdiction, authority, and accountability in law enforcement.

• Policy Re-evaluation: The incident may prompt reviews of ICE operations and federal involvement in local law enforcement matters nationwide.

3. Public Safety Implications

• Protests and Civil Unrest: The shooting has sparked violent protests, looting, and clashes with police, raising concerns about the city’s ability to maintain order.

• Guard Deployment: Activation of the Minnesota National Guard signals a serious security situation and potential for escalated state intervention.

4. Media and Public Perception

• Polarized Narratives: Conservative outlets emphasize leadership failure and calls for resignation, while mainstream media focus on the shooting and protests.

• Public Opinion Pressure: Ongoing media coverage can influence public perception of Walz, ICE, and local officials, affecting political legitimacy.

5. Legal and Investigative Implications

• Federal Investigation: DOJ and federal agencies are reviewing the shooting, which could lead to policy or personnel changes at both state and federal levels.

• Accountability Questions: The incident raises questions about the rules of engagement for ICE agents, the role of local authorities, and the potential for civil or criminal liability.

 Overall Takeaway:

The deadly ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis has not only reignited debates over federal immigration enforcement but also thrust Gov. Tim Walz into the national spotlight. With House GOP leaders publicly demanding his resignation, the incident underscores deep partisan divisions over law enforcement, public safety, and state leadership.

As protests continue and federal investigations unfold, Minnesota faces a dual challenge: addressing the immediate unrest while navigating the broader political and legal ramifications. How Walz and local authorities respond in the coming days will likely shape both public perception and the state’s political landscape for months to come.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Tim Walz Must Resign

FOX NEWS – Top House GOP leader demands Tim Walz resign as Minneapolis erupts over ICE shooting

MINNESSOTA HOR – Rep. Mike Wiener – Calling for Gov. Tim Walz to resign