Rep. Donalds Confronts Gov. Walz Over 'Modern-Day Gestapo' ICE Remarks

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sparked controversy after calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents under President Donald Trump's orders a "modern-day Gestapo" during a May commencement speech, a statement he defended in a recent House Oversight Committee hearing. Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Byron Donalds and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, sharply criticized Walz's comparison to Nazi Germany's secret police as "disgusting" and "dangerous rhetoric" that unfairly targets ICE agents, who are performing their duties in enforcing immigration laws. Walz maintained his remarks highlighted the aggressive tactics used by ICE, such as unmarked vans and masked agents, but refused to apologize, emphasizing his role as a history teacher using a historical reference. The White House and Republican officials condemned the language as inflammatory and harmful, suggesting it incites violence against law enforcement. The debate underscores deep partisan divisions over immigration enforcement policies, with Republicans defending ICE's role in deportations while Democrats criticize the methods employed. Walz's comments and refusal to retract them continue to fuel tensions around sanctuary state policies and the treatment of undocumented immigrants.