1:29Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Jan. 16, 2026, in Minneapolis. Adam Gray/AP
Below is a preliminary transcript of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" that will be broadcast on Sunday, January 18, 2026, on ABC News. This version may not represent the final form, could be revised, and may include slight transcription inaccuracies. To access prior transcripts of the show, please visit the "This Week" transcript archive.
JONATHAN KARL, ABC “THIS WEEK” CO-ANCHOR: We start with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Mayor Frey, we appreciate your presence.
I want to begin with the Justice Department’s investigation. Have you been issued a subpoena yet?
MAYOR JACOB FREY, (D) MINNESOTA: We have not received a subpoena. However, if the rumors are indeed accurate, this is very troubling. This extends beyond just me; it is a significant issue. This entire investigation stems from one of my fundamental duties as mayor, which is to advocate for my constituents.
In other nations, individuals may be imprisoned for their words. There are countries where one can be scrutinized for expressing views contrary to the federal government’s stance. Yet, in this nation, it is different. We have the right to free speech here, and we do not relinquish those rights.
KARL: So, when that subpoena arrives, and we understand that the investigation has commenced, will you adhere to the Justice Department’s requests?
FREY: Look, we have committed no wrongdoing. Therefore, we will comply. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge how outrageous this situation is. Whether it involves Senator Slotkin, Governor Walz, or myself, this is not how we operate in America.
We are currently doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of our community. We have voiced our commitment to protecting our residents and upholding their constitutional rights. Advocating in such a manner is not illegal; in fact, it is guaranteed by our city charter, which is our Constitution.
KARL: Governor Walz has called up the National Guard, placing them on standby in case matters escalate. How tense is the atmosphere in Minneapolis at this moment?
FREY: The tension is primarily driven by the presence of uninvited individuals here from ICE. To provide some context, Minneapolis has approximately 600 police officers. In contrast, there are around 3,000 ICE agents and Border Control personnel. They are indiscriminately detaining individuals on the streets, requesting IDs and passports from those who appear Latino or Somali.
While certain incidents of heightened tension make the news, much of the city remains calm, particularly in areas without ICE agents. If the goal is to restore order and prevent chaos, a simple solution exists: ICE should withdraw, allowing our dedicated local police officers, who are also community members, to maintain safety in our city.
This year, we have experienced relatively few shootings, but among the incidents we have had, two of them involved ICE. This indicates who is contributing to the tension. We will do everything possible to ensure public safety.
KARL: It is astonishing that in your city, as you have just described, federal law enforcement outnumbers local police by a ratio of five to one. What message do you have for protesters regarding how they should respond in this situation? I have heard you urge them several times to avoid provocation.
FREY: Exactly.
KARL: What is your current message for the protesters?
FREY: The message remains unchanged. Simultaneously, we have witnessed tens of thousands in Minneapolis peacefully protesting. Many have been sliding down icy slopes to participate in demonstrations, ensuring that those too afraid to venture outside due to fears of family separation have food and support.
I believe it is crucial to communicate to the entire nation that this is not simply about resistance in Minneapolis; it is about love. We are showcasing something far more potent and impactful: love. We are supporting each other. Neighbors are assisting one another; people are uniting in an extraordinary manner. Clearly, there are threats from the federal government intended to intimidate Minneapolis residents and me.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com