[Jodavaho.io] — Josh Vander Hook

Gov Walz and Mayor Frey,

I’m asking you to deescalate the situation in Minneapolis, in light of prior federal/local clashes that escalated when local leadership failed to set clear deescalation norms.

The safety of the people, through clear direction to city leadership, MPD, and the public, should be your top priority, not national politics or playbooks.

• Call for peaceful, observe+report actions, consistent with settled First Amendment protections for peaceful assembly and public observation.
• Condemn actions by any party that escalate tension or violence in ICE encounters.
• Guide citizens clearly on civil rights: including detention, identification, recording, and non-interference so lawful behavior is reinforced rather than forgotten under stress.
• Condemn unlawful actions by anyone, regardless of affiliation or intent.

I believe in rule of law and strong civil protections, but when escalation or unlawful conduct occurs, it weakens the legitimacy of civil rights claims in both public opinion and legal review.

We are being pushed toward a clash with serious constitutional implications, driven less by necessity than by escalation dynamics no one seems willing to interrupt.

Public trust and legitimacy cannot be preserved unless Minneapolis takes the high road by demonstrating restraint, clarity, and visible commitment to lawful conduct and safety.

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For more of my thoughts on the situation, see MN has an ICE problem, but …