Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine has ignited controversy by demanding the arrest of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on charges of treason, accusing him of fomenting civil war and siding with “foreigners” over Americans.
In a January 15, 2026, appearance on Newsmax, Fine lambasted Frey’s response to a fatal ICE shooting, claiming the Democratic mayor’s rhetoric encourages violence against federal agents and promotes a “second Civil War.”
“For Democrat politicians to take the sides of foreigners over Americans is treason,” Fine stated. “Jacob Frey should be arrested for what he is doing, because he is encouraging people to behave this way.”
The remarks stem from escalating tensions in Minneapolis following the January 7 death of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen shot by an ICE agent during an immigration raid. Federal officials described it as self-defense after Good allegedly tried to ram the officer with her vehicle. Frey fiercely condemned ICE, demanding they “get the f*** out of Minneapolis” and dismissing their account as “bulls***.”
Protests ensued, with clashes between demonstrators and agents amid a DHS surge targeting Somali-linked fraud schemes.
Fine, known for inflammatory statements, doubled down by asserting that individuals like Good were “shot justifiably” due to Democratic incitement.
His call for treason charges—punishable by up to life in prison—has drawn sharp backlash from Democrats, who label it partisan hysteria and an attack on free speech. Legal experts note treason requires specific acts like levying war against the U.S., making charges unlikely without evidence of overt betrayal.
The episode highlights deepening national divides over immigration enforcement, with conservatives praising Fine’s hardline stance while liberals decry it as dangerous overreach. As investigations into the shooting continue, Frey has vowed to protect his city, setting the stage for potential legal battles between state and federal authorities.
