Walz references Anne Frank after the fatal shooting of a VA nurse
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| Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a news conference for the Biden-Harris campaign discussing the Project 2025 plan during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention near the Fiserv Forum, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. ()AP Photo/Joe Lamberti |
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday compared federal immigration enforcement actions in his state to the Holocaust and the story of Anne Frank, saying some residents are “hiding in their houses” amid ongoing operations by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. The comments were made during a press briefing following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal agents.
Walz’s remarks specifically referenced “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who documented her life while hiding from Nazi persecution during World War II. He said children in Minnesota are now afraid to go outside because of federal immigration enforcement. “We have got children in Minnesota hiding in their houses, afraid to go outside. Many of us grew up reading that story of Anne Frank,” Walz said.
Man killed in Minneapolis unrest: 37-year-old ICU nurse gunned down by federal immigration officer
The governor made the comments amid heightened tensions following the shooting death of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal immigration agents during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Walz has been critical of the federal presence in recent days and has called for changes to how immigration enforcement is conducted.
Walz urged President Donald Trump to reconsider the deployment of federal immigration agents to Minnesota, arguing the operations are creating fear among residents. He said history may judge the federal actions harshly if they continue. “Somebody’s going to write that children’s story about Minnesota,” Walz said, urging a de‑escalation of enforcement activity.
Holy smokes I can’t believe what I just heard…
— Jack (@jackunheard) January 25, 2026
TIM WALZ: "We grew up reading the story of Anne Frank. Somebody is gonna write one regarding Minnesota."
He was almost Vice President
pic.twitter.com/JhPkKJhFbA
The remarks drew attention from national media and commentators, as Holocaust references in contemporary political discourse often generate debate about historical comparisons. Walz’s use of Holocaust imagery follows his earlier criticism of federal immigration enforcement, which at times has included strong language.
Federal officials have maintained that immigration enforcement actions are conducted under legal authority. Homeland Security and Border Patrol representatives have defended their operations, emphasizing efforts to enforce US immigration laws. Investigations into the Minneapolis shooting, including into the conduct of federal agents, are ongoing.
