Minneapolis mayor decries DOJ investigation into Minnesota officials
The Minneapolis mayor says the federal government has enormous power - one that far outweighs that of city authorities.
He says the federal government is demanding voter registration information in order to end what he calls a "siege" on Minneapolis.
He also decries what he sees as the justice department using investigations into him and others as a weapon.
Frey says it's not because they have done anything wrong, but because they are doing their job to speak on behalf of residents.
- For context: The US justice department has issued subpoenas to Democratic Minnesota officials, alleging they conspired to impede federal immigration officers in the state
'This is an opportunity to stand up for the liberties the US holds dear'
This is an opportunity to be a patriot and stand up for the liberties that the US holds dear, Frey says.
"As a nation of immigrants, it should not matter where you are from."
The Trump administration is attempting to "force nationwide outcomes on localised issues, leaving our own citizens as collateral damage", Frey says.
'We cannot back down'
This a moment "where we all have to stand together", Frey says in the concluding lines of his speech.
"This is more important than being a Democrat or a Republican," he says.
"We cannot back down," he tells the mayors gathered, adding it is them that will "hold this democracy together".
As he departs the stage, he's given a standing ovation.
Tom Homan has been deployed after two people were shot dead by federal agents in the city in less than a month.
www.bbc.co.uk