Why is Jesse Ventura backing Minneapolis anti-ICE protests, and is the Former Governor hinting at a political comeback?
Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura testifies before the Senate Finance Committee. Image Credit: AFP PHOTO/Joyce NALTCHAYAN/Getty Images
Former Minnesota Governor and WWE legend Jesse “The Body” Ventura has thrown his weight behind Minneapolis anti-ICE protesters, declaring he is “proud” of community members who confronted federal agents during a tense standoff near a local high school.
Ventura’s remarks come amid intensifying outrage following a deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis and a chaotic confrontation involving federal agents, school staff, and protesters at Roosevelt High School, his alma mater.
The 74-year-old former governor described the confrontation as a defining moment for constitutional values, while also hinting that he believes he is “owed” a second term in office, reigniting speculation about a potential political comeback.
‘I’m Proud of Them’: Ventura Applauds Protesters
Speaking to FOX 9, Ventura said he personally visited Roosevelt High School to show support for staff and community members following the confrontation.
“Good for these people who stood up,” Ventura said. “They’re teaching their students something, that we are a country of law and a country of the Constitution.”
Ventura praised those involved for resisting what he described as constitutional violations, saying schools should remain places of learning, not enforcement zones.
“I’m proud of them for what they did. They made me proud as an alumni,” he added.
ICE Confrontation at Roosevelt High School
The confrontation occurred Wednesday afternoon during student dismissal, when ICE and Border Patrol agents were present near Roosevelt High School.
Video shared online showed pepper spray being deployed as a crowd, including children, gathered near federal officers. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators later confirmed that a school employee was detained during the incident.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents were attempting to arrest a U.S. citizen accused of interfering with immigration enforcement when a teacher allegedly assaulted an officer, triggering crowd escalation.
DHS said officers used “targeted crowd control” and denied deploying tear gas.
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Ventura Responds to Minneapolis ICE Shooting
Ventura also addressed the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, which left a woman dead and sparked widespread protests.
“Anytime you have the loss of life that needlessly happens, that’s a tragedy,” Ventura said. “What occurred yesterday did not have to happen.”
He suggested he had reviewed footage of the shooting and expressed disbelief that it escalated to deadly force.
Harsh Criticism of Federal Leadership
Ventura did not hold back in criticizing national leadership, accusing political leaders of abandoning constitutional principles.
“We’re a country of the Constitution. We have leadership now that has destroyed the Constitution,” he said, adding that the Republican Party had become, in his view, a “domestic enemy” following the January 6 Capitol attack.
Ventura also compared the use of federal agents in cities to conditions he witnessed overseas during his military service in Southeast Asia.
Hints at a Political Comeback
Ventura, who served a single term as governor from 1999 to 2003 as a member of the Reform Party, said he believes he is “owed a second” term.
While he stopped short of formally announcing a run, the remarks fueled speculation that the former governor, long known for his independent streak, may be considering a return to politics.
Ventura reaffirmed his support for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both of whom have sharply criticized ICE actions in the city.
A Polarising Voice Returns to the Spotlight
Ventura’s outspoken support has further polarised the debate over immigration enforcement, law enforcement authority, and constitutional rights in Minneapolis.
As protests continue and investigations into ICE actions unfold, Ventura’s re-emergence adds a powerful and controversial voice to an already volatile national conversation.
FAQ
Why is Jesse Ventura supporting Minneapolis anti-ICE protesters?
Ventura says protesters were defending constitutional rights and standing up against what he views as unlawful federal enforcement actions near a school.
What happened at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis?
ICE agents were involved in a confrontation during dismissal time, where pepper spray was deployed and a school employee was detained.
Did Jesse Ventura visit the school?
Yes. Ventura, a Roosevelt High School alumnus, visited to show support for staff and protesters after the incident.
What did Jesse Ventura say about the ICE shooting?
He called the fatal shooting a tragedy and said it did not need to happen.
Is Jesse Ventura planning to run for office again?
Ventura hinted that he believes he is “owed” a second term but has not officially announced a campaign.
What is Jesse Ventura’s political background?
Ventura served as Minnesota governor from 1999 to 2003 as a Reform Party candidate and previously worked as a WWE wrestler.
What does DHS say about the confrontation?
DHS claims agents were responding to interference with enforcement operations and used targeted crowd control measures.
Why is this story gaining national attention?
The incident combines a deadly ICE shooting, school safety concerns, mass protests, and high-profile political commentary from a former governor.
