John Curley: ICE drawdown in Minneapolis signals promising policy shift

Minneapolis is reducing the number of ICE and federal immigration agents in the city following a controversial surge that sparked protests, legal challenges, and national scrutiny.

During the “John Curley Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Curley voiced his support for the partial drawdown while breaking down what it could mean for public safety and policy going forward.

“This isn’t just smart for ICE, it protects the public and reduces unnecessary risk,” Curley said during the show.

Curley described the reduction as a practical and common‑sense step toward resolving mounting tensions. He emphasized the operational shift toward detaining individuals in jails rather than on city streets, calling it a practical and common-sense solution.

“We hear you’ve got a guy, and the person has committed all of these crimes. Hold them,” Curley said. “We’re coming to get them so we don’t have to go on the street and try to find him, where he’s at work or where anything else that seems like a reasonable move.”

Curley breaks down ICE changes

Curley also suggested that Washington adopt a similar approach, criticizing Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for what he described as political posturing around immigration enforcement.

“Hopefully, Washington is paying attention, and maybe we can get Bob Ferguson to listen. I saw him at a press conference talking about ‘we’re not going to let them come in here and steal away our neighbors,’ using all the usual buzzwords and dramatic language — but this is about safety, not optics,” Curley said.”

“I saw a press conference from Governor Ferguson; it was all buzzwords and speeches,” Curley said. “This is about safety and results, not optics.”

Curley suggested the approach could serve as a model for other cities, focusing on limiting street operations while maintaining enforcement against serious public safety threats.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to John Curley weekday afternoons from 3 – 7 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

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