Tim Walz Gets Cooked Online After Calling on Texans to Move to ‘Free Minnesota’

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is facing renewed criticism following a string of controversial remarks and resurfaced footage tied to his handling of civil unrest in 2020, as well as emerging details in a pandemic-era nonprofit fraud investigation in his state.

Walz, who has hinted at ambitions beyond Minnesota, is increasingly drawing national attention—both for his policy stances and the controversies surrounding him.

In recent comments, Walz labeled federal immigration enforcement under the Trump-Vance administration as “authoritarian” and referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as a “modern-day Gestapo.”

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The remarks come as the administration continues efforts to deport individuals who entered the U.S. illegally and have committed crimes.

President Donald Trump has maintained strong approval ratings on immigration enforcement, and the administration has defended the stepped-up removals as necessary for public safety and national sovereignty.

Walz’s characterization of ICE drew backlash from critics who argue the comparison is both inflammatory and inaccurate.

The agency is responsible for enforcing federal immigration law, and its role in removing criminal illegal aliens has long been supported by a majority of Americans.

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Walz has also drawn attention for encouraging Texans to move to Minnesota, referring to the state as “free” following a Texas Tribune report on potential legislative action to restrict THC-based products.

The Texas House recently advanced a measure that could limit certain THC items, prompting Walz to respond publicly.

Texans, flee the nanny state and come up north to enjoy the land of the free. https://t.co/HUu3HXPyCi

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 23, 2025

His pitch was met with skepticism by many conservatives who pointed to Minnesota’s record on personal freedoms under Walz’s leadership.

Among the critics was Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who challenged Walz’s use of the word “free,” citing past state-imposed restrictions and actions taken during periods of unrest.

Tim, you let your state burn to the ground as you opened a hotline to encourage Minnesotans to snitch on each other for not wearing a mask.

Sit the “free state” debate out. https://t.co/prJ3ZkAjW7

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 23, 2025

Resurfaced video from May 30, 2020, during the height of the George Floyd riots in Minneapolis, has reignited discussion about the Walz administration’s law enforcement tactics at the time.

The video, filmed by resident Tanya Kersson in the Whittier neighborhood, shows a military-style Humvee and a line of riot police dispersing what appeared to be paintballs toward residents who were standing on their porches or in their doorways.

Free???

You wouldn’t even let people stand on their own doorsteps, you clown. pic.twitter.com/CAKhr4TAt0

— 🌵 Arizona Patriot 🇺🇸 (@AZJohnnyC) May 23, 2025

The footage, captured during enforcement of a curfew ordered by Gov. Walz, drew condemnation at the time and has resurfaced amid ongoing debates over civil liberties and law enforcement’s role in managing riots.

The incident took place during widespread protests and riots across Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd in police custody.

In addition to public comments and his past handling of civil unrest, Walz has also been loosely connected to a pandemic-era nonprofit fraud investigation.

While the governor has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing, reporting from multiple outlets has highlighted alleged widespread misuse of pandemic relief funds by nonprofit organizations operating in Minnesota.

Some reports have raised questions about oversight and whether members of the state government had knowledge of the fraudulent activity.

As Walz continues to build a national profile, speculation has grown that he could be preparing for a potential run for higher office in 2028.

However, his record and rhetoric are likely to remain a focal point for scrutiny as that prospect develops.

So far, Walz has not responded to the renewed focus on the 2020 video or offered further clarification regarding his recent remarks on federal immigration enforcement.

Questions about the fraud investigation’s reach and possible links to state leadership also remain ongoing.

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