Gov. Tim Walz writing book on Minnesota's resistance to ICE operation

Ryan Faircloth, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Apr 23, 2026

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MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Tim Walz is writing a book inspired by Minnesotans’ resistance during Operation Metro Surge.

“Good Neighbors” will be published next year after the second-term DFL governor leaves office, publisher W.W. Norton & Co. announced Wednesday, April 22.

The publishing house described the work as a “passionate ode to tolerance, decency, respect and empathy, and an inspiring reminder that we are capable of changing the world for the better, one block at a time.”

In a statement about the book, Walz pointed to the “compassion, courage and resilience” Minnesotans showed during the federal immigration operation.

“In response to the violent federal occupation that caused widespread chaos and harm, their extraordinary, peaceful actions were hailed across the country and around the world,” Walz said. “Here in Minnesota, it’s simple — we call it being a good neighbor."

Walz, the Democratic Party’s 2024 vice presidential nominee, appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday night. Though the book didn’t come up, he did talk about the ICE operation.

“The people of Minnesota showed courage, stood up, pushed back,” Walz said on the show. “Forty below zero, tens of thousands of people out there, delivering food to their neighbors, blowing whistles to protect kids so they could get on the bus.”

He also recounted thinking: “Where are the ‘don’t tread on me’ people? Because we were sure getting tread on in Minnesota.”

The governor has said he intends to remain politically involved after he leaves office. On Monday, Walz launched a new federal political action committee that will seek to recruit and support Democrats in rural communities across the country.

“Donald Trump sucks up so much oxygen,” Walz told Kimmel. “We need to fill every single lane with good people who want to make sure people are fed, that we have health care, that we don’t fight stupid wars.”