Walz says children in Minnesota are hiding like Anne Frank amid ICE enforcement

“We have got children in Minnesota hiding in their houses, afraid to go outside,” Walz said at a news conference. “Many of us grew up reading that story of Anne Frank. Somebody is gonna write that story about Minnesota, and there’s one person who can end this now,” Walz added, referring to President Donald Trump.

Walz has repeatedly used Nazi-related metaphors when criticizing ICE. Last year, he drew backlash after referring to ICE agents and officers as “modern-day Gestapo,” a remark that was condemned by the agency, which warned such rhetoric was dangerous at a time when ICE agents were facing increasing assaults by activists.

Since then, confrontations have escalated. ICE agents in Minneapolis have been beaten and harassed by activists, including one Department of Homeland Security officer who reportedly had part of his finger bitten off during an altercation.

Walz again urged President Trump to pull back federal immigration agents operating in Minnesota, who DHS says are largely targeting illegal immigrants with criminal records.

“And I would say, President Trump, you can end this today. Pull these folks back. Do humane, focused, effective immigration control. You've got the support of all of us to do that, let our law enforcement continue to do what they do, making Minnesota one of the safest states in the country, one of the best places to live. Allow our children to go back to school. We have got children in Minnesota hiding in their houses, afraid to go outside,” Walz said.

The governor’s emotional remarks coincided with a viral claim online alleging that ICE had used a five-year-old child as “bait” or had improperly detained the child. According to DHS, those claims were false.

"The child was ABANDONDED by his father, and the alleged mother REFUSED to take custody of her own child. Our law enforcement took care of the child, got him McDonald’s and played him his favorite music to comfort him. Parents are asked if they want to be removed with their children, or ICE will place the children with a safe person the parent designates," DHS said in a post on X.