Walz Vows ‘Never Forget’ as Noem Departs, Demands Accountability

Walz Demands Justice After Noem’s Departure from DHS

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed relief and a resolute commitment to accountability following the departure of former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Walz stated that while Nielsen’s exit is a positive development, the damage inflicted upon Minnesota and its residents by the policies enacted under her watch, and those of the Trump administration, continues to have far-reaching consequences. The governor emphasized that the work to address the fallout, including locating hundreds of displaced individuals and seeking answers about the fate of missing children, will take years.

Lingering Damage and Unanswered Questions

Governor Walz highlighted that the issues plaguing Minnesota began long before Nielsen’s tenure, citing the administration’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its approach to immigration enforcement. “The trouble started long before this,” Walz remarked, pointing to a pattern of policies that he characterized as incompetent and cruel. He specifically mentioned incidents such as the forced removal of citizens from their homes in freezing temperatures and the tragic deaths of individuals like Alex and Renee, underscoring that changes in leadership often occur only when they become politically inconvenient for the administration, rather than due to a genuine shift in policy direction.

“We are going to want answers. Who gave the orders to do this? Who said that these folks could do that? Why, why within 20 minutes before understanding what happened, she found the need to slander Minnesotans, American citizens. Why did they not retract that? And why were, why were Minnesota investigators at the bureau of criminal apprehension not allowed to be on these scenes? Where’s the evidence? We need the evidence to do this.”

– Governor Tim Walz

A Call for Congressional Action and State-Level Investigations

The governor urged Congress, particularly Republicans, to establish stronger oversight and “guardrails” to prevent future abuses. He stressed the critical need for transparency and active participation by Minnesota officials in investigations into the actions taken by federal agencies within the state. “We need them to quit taking Minnesota’s money,” Walz stated, advocating for a halt to federal funding until accountability is achieved. He emphasized that Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison and county attorneys are actively pursuing justice, not retribution, ensuring that no one is above the law.

The Pursuit of Justice, Not Retribution

Governor Walz made it clear that his pursuit of accountability is rooted in the principle that “no one is above the law.” He suggested that former Secretary Nielsen should “get used to spending more time in Minnesota,” implying that legal and investigative actions may extend to her. The governor detailed a litany of grievances, including the unexplained whereabouts of children, the alleged mistreatment of individuals with severe injuries, and the use of chemical agents against children. He lamented the lack of decency and transparency from federal officials, noting that he had repeatedly sought answers from Nielsen’s office without success.

“We Will Never Forget”: A Promise to Minnesotans

The governor’s message to Kirstjen Nielsen and the broader administration was unequivocal: “We will never forget.” He vowed that Minnesotans would not rest until justice is served for all those harmed. Walz warned that what happened in Minnesota could be a testing ground for similar actions in other states, urging vigilance. He refuted the administration’s narrative that critics do not care about public safety, emphasizing that the focus is on ensuring that operations are conducted legally and ethically, without targeting innocent individuals or violating constitutional rights.

Concerns Over Future Nominations and Continued Agency Practices

Walz expressed significant concern regarding potential future nominations to lead agencies like ICE, warning that simply replacing one “sycophant” with another would perpetuate the same harmful practices. He specifically addressed the potential confirmation of Senator Mark Mullen, questioning whether he would implement necessary reforms or continue the existing culture of unchecked power and disregard for warrants and accountability. The governor reiterated his demand that senators should not approve any nominations until federal agencies allow state and local authorities to participate fully in investigations into alleged crimes and civil rights violations.

Looking Ahead: The Fight for Accountability Continues

The departure of Kirstjen Nielsen marks an inflection point, but Governor Walz insists the fight for justice and accountability is far from over. The administration’s approach to immigration and law enforcement, characterized by a perceived lack of transparency and a disregard for constitutional rights, remains a central concern for Minnesota. As the state continues its efforts to locate missing individuals and uncover the full extent of the damage, the demand for answers and accountability from federal agencies and their former leadership will undoubtedly persist, with potential implications for future federal appointments and oversight.

Source: 'We will never forget': Walz, Minnesota NOT DONE with Noem; pursuing accountability (YouTube)