Former Minnesota Vikings safety Jack Brewer has publicly criticized Minneapolis city leaders this week, accusing officials of enabling criminal activity among undocumented immigrants and questioning the city’s approach to public safety. Brewer, who played in the NFL from 2002 to 2006 and was a standout at the University of Minnesota, framed his remarks around both crime and the broader political implications of immigration enforcement.
“There is something wrong in Minneapolis. We need a city-wide behavioral health assessment. People have completely lost reality,” Brewer told Fox News Digital. He described recent violent demonstrations in the city as escalating beyond control and called for a stronger federal response to restore order.
“I hope President Trump sends in the National Guard. We need curfews. We need real consequences for attacking law enforcement. These men and women should be able to do their jobs and go home to their families safely,” Brewer said.
The former Golden Gophers defensive back linked city unrest to national politics, suggesting that enforcement of immigration laws has become a flashpoint because it affects Democratic voting blocs. “We’re deporting their voters. That’s part of what’s happening, and it’s blowing up their whole plan,” he said.
Minneapolis Leadership Under Fire
Brewer’s remarks come as Minneapolis grapples with intense public scrutiny over federal immigration operations, which have included deployments of ICE and CBP officers in the wake of anti-immigration protests. The operations, referred to by the Trump administration as “Operation Metro Surge,” have drawn protests, legal challenges, and national attention after two U.S. citizens, including ICU nurse Alex Pretti, were fatally shot during confrontations with federal agents.
Despite once being celebrated by the city’s leadership—he was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Jacob Frey in 2018—Brewer argued that Minneapolis has veered sharply off course. He directly criticized Frey’s handling of immigration and public safety, saying the mayor has prioritized immigrant communities at the expense of broader civic order.
“I wish I could lock the doors on that city and not let him back in if I had the power. What he has done is absolutely ridiculous. He tap-dances for Somalis. He does anything to go against the culture of America and Christianity for them,” Brewer said.
The former athlete contended that the city’s policies allow individuals from certain countries to bypass traditional American social norms. “You cannot let people come into the United States who come from cultures like that, because they bring their culture with them. That’s what’s happening,” he said, citing his personal experiences during a visit to Guatemala in February 2025, where he met families who had been deported from the U.S.
Immigration Enforcement and Political Implications
Brewer argued that Minneapolis’ stance on immigration is politically motivated. He suggested that Democratic leaders oppose robust ICE operations because deportations interfere with the voter base. According to Brewer, this intersection of public safety and politics has contributed to lawlessness and unrest in Minneapolis.
“You can’t allow people to come into your country who don’t carry the same morals and values that you do. That’s what’s happening,” he said. “Minneapolis is protecting these thugs. It’s unbelievable. These people are demonic. I’ve done work in third-world countries for 25 years. The values are not the same.”
Brewer’s statements align closely with former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which emphasize strict enforcement and deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has defended its actions in Minneapolis despite public protests and criticism from local officials, asserting that federal agents are targeting dangerous individuals while ensuring law and order.
From the Field to Finance and Philanthropy
Jack Brewer’s transition from professional football to business and philanthropy has shaped his public voice. After retiring from the NFL, Brewer moved into finance, joining Merrill Lynch as a wealth manager before founding The Brewer Group, which manages investments in education, healthcare, and technology.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Brewer launched the Jack Brewer Foundation in 2006, focusing on disaster relief, prison ministry, and programs addressing fatherlessness. He has also held advisory positions with the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys and currently serves as chair of the Center for Opportunity Now and vice chair of the Center for 1776 at the America First Policy Institute.
Public Persona and Advocacy
Brewer has long used his platform to advocate for social issues. While his recent remarks on Minneapolis and immigration enforcement have drawn attention, they reflect a broader pattern of engagement in civic matters. From addressing fatherlessness in underserved communities to supporting conservative policy initiatives, Brewer has positioned himself as a public advocate for law, order, and traditional values.
His background in professional sports has added weight to his opinions, particularly in Minnesota, where his status as a former Vikings captain and Golden Gophers standout gives him credibility with local audiences. Brewer’s experience in team environments, leadership roles, and community outreach has informed his approach to public safety, civic responsibility, and the intersections of policy and everyday life.
Controversy and Response
Brewer’s statements have ignited discussion across the political spectrum. Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement have praised his willingness to confront local leaders and highlight what they see as the risks of lax border and immigration policies. Critics, however, have accused him of inflaming racial and cultural tensions and misrepresenting the intentions of migrant communities in Minneapolis.
The debate over Minneapolis’ handling of immigration and public safety is ongoing. Federal enforcement operations continue amid protests, lawsuits, and heightened scrutiny of both local and national leaders. Brewer’s voice adds to the chorus of prominent figures weighing in on the controversy, illustrating how sports figures, business leaders, and former athletes can influence public discourse on policy matters.
Looking Ahead
As Minneapolis navigates a complex and politically charged environment, Brewer’s statements underscore a growing tension between local authorities, federal enforcement agencies, and the communities they serve. With President Trump and former administration officials maintaining a hardline stance on immigration, and local leaders like Mayor Frey and Governor Walz advocating for nuanced, community-focused approaches, the city remains at the center of a national conversation on law enforcement, civil liberties, and immigration policy.
For Brewer, the issue is clear: he believes that a failure to enforce immigration laws strictly, combined with local leadership perceived as lenient toward undocumented immigrants, threatens both public safety and cultural cohesion. His remarks, drawing from both personal experience abroad and a career rooted in teamwork and discipline, continue to reverberate in political and social debates in Minnesota and across the country.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
