Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura has emerged as a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement tactics, expressing strong support for protesters who confronted Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at his former high school in Minneapolis. The 74-year-old political maverick and former professional wrestler suggested he may seek a return to the governor’s mansion, claiming the state “owes” him another term.
Ventura’s comments came following confrontations between ICE agents and community members at Roosevelt High School on Thursday afternoon. The incident has reignited debates over federal immigration enforcement in educational settings and the appropriate response from local officials and citizens.
Constitutional Concerns Drive Political Rhetoric
Speaking to local media outlet Fox 9, Ventura framed his opposition to current federal policies in constitutional terms, drawing on his military service and oath of office. The former governor, who served a single term from 1999 to 2003 as a member of the Reform Party, characterized recent political developments as fundamentally undermining American democratic principles.
Ventura specifically referenced the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack in his criticism of the Republican Party, describing it as a “domestic enemy” to the Constitution. His comments reflect the continuing political divisions stemming from that event and its aftermath in American politics.
The former governor drew parallels between current immigration enforcement practices and conditions he observed during his military service in Southeast Asia, suggesting that military involvement in domestic law enforcement represents a departure from American democratic norms. Ventura served 17 months in the region during the Vietnam War era.
Roosevelt High School Incident Sparks Community Response
The confrontation at Roosevelt High School occurred during afternoon dismissal, when ICE agents reportedly attempted to conduct operations on school grounds. Community members and protesters intervened, leading to what Ventura described as residents “standing up for what is supposed to be America and freedom.”
Ventura, an alumnus of the school, visited the campus to express his support for the community’s response. He emphasized the educational institution’s role as a place of learning about constitutional principles, including warrant requirements and due process protections.
If you think you can come to this country and get rich defrauding the American people, think again.
We will root out every case of fraud we find from Minneapolis to California to New York.
Americans deserve justice, answers and accountability. And under President Trump, we will… pic.twitter.com/2n3PM0omaH
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026
The former governor’s connection to Roosevelt High School extends beyond his political career. During his visit, he referenced his athletic achievements at the school, including swimming records he held during his student years. This personal connection appears to have intensified his response to the federal enforcement action.
Political Calculations and Future Ambitions
Ventura’s suggestion that he might seek the governor’s office again represents a significant development in Minnesota politics. Having voluntarily chosen not to seek reelection in 2002, Ventura has remained largely outside electoral politics for more than two decades, though he has continued to comment on political issues through media appearances and his writings.
The former governor’s unique political profile—combining military service, professional wrestling fame, and independent political positioning—previously enabled him to win election as a third-party candidate. His 1998 gubernatorial victory shocked political observers and demonstrated the potential for outsider candidates in certain electoral environments.
Ventura’s book “DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans: No More Gangs in Government” reflected his criticism of both major political parties, a theme he continues to emphasize in his current political commentary. This positioning could potentially appeal to voters dissatisfied with traditional partisan options.
🚨 JUST IN: White House EVISCERATES ABC for airing Jimmy Kimmel dangerously lying that President Trump ordered ICE to kill Americans
"Get the f*ck out of Minneapolis! Get the f*ck out of all of these cities!"
This incites TERRORISM. Take him off the air.pic.twitter.com/k3N3WYKdJJ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 8, 2026
Current Political Endorsements and Alliances
Despite his criticism of both major parties, Ventura has maintained supportive relationships with certain Democratic officials in Minnesota. He endorsed Governor Tim Walz for reelection in 2022 and expressed continued backing for Walz’s leadership. He also voiced support for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
These endorsements suggest Ventura’s political calculations may align more closely with Democratic positions on certain issues, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and civil liberties, even as he maintains his independent political brand.
Immigration Enforcement in Educational Settings
The Roosevelt High School incident highlights ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement policies and their implementation in sensitive locations such as schools. Educational institutions have traditionally been considered spaces where enforcement actions require careful consideration of student welfare and community impact.
Federal immigration agencies have faced criticism for enforcement actions in and around schools, with advocates arguing such operations create fear and disrupt educational environments. Supporters of enhanced enforcement counter that immigration laws must be consistently applied regardless of location.
The community response in Minneapolis reflects broader national debates over the appropriate scope and methods of immigration enforcement, particularly during periods of heightened federal activity in this area.
Historical Context of Ventura’s Political Career
Ventura’s original gubernatorial term was marked by unconventional approaches to governance and frequent conflicts with legislative leaders from both major parties. His administration pursued various reform initiatives while maintaining his outsider political identity.
The former governor’s decision not to seek reelection in 2002 was attributed to frustration with political processes and media coverage. His potential return to electoral politics would occur in a significantly different political environment, with social media and polarization playing larger roles than during his original term.
Ventura’s military service, professional wrestling career, and gubernatorial experience create a unique political profile that could appeal to voters seeking alternatives to traditional political candidates. However, his age and the changed political landscape present both opportunities and challenges for any potential campaign.
The intersection of immigration policy, constitutional concerns, and local community responses continues to generate political debate across the United States. Ventura’s vocal opposition to current federal approaches positions him within broader conversations about the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties in American democracy.