Gov. Walz's 'Anne Frank' Comparison to 'Minnesota Children Hiding' Insults Holocaust Victims, Museum Declares

The US Holocaust Museum criticised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for comparing children in the state to Anne Frank, as tensions rise over immigration enforcement and school disruptions.

During a press conference on January 25, Governor Walz made a metaphor that drew swift condemnation. He referenced the story of Anne Frank, stating that some children in Minnesota are hiding in their homes out of fear, similar to how Anne Frank and others hid during the Holocaust.

Walz expressed concern over the current situation, saying, 'We have got children in Minnesota hiding in their houses, afraid to go outside. Many of us grew up reading that story of Anne Frank.'

'Somebody's going to write that children's story about Minnesota,' he added.

His comments appeared a day after the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti by a Customs and Border Patrol agent, sparking fears for Minnesota children about the historical suffering of Holocaust victims.

Anne Frank, who died at age 15 in Bergen-Belsen, is widely recognized as a symbol of innocent victims of Nazi persecution. Her story, often used to educate about antisemitism and genocide, was invoked by Walz amid rising tensions following a fatal shooting involving federal agents.

Holocaust Museum Responds

The US Holocaust Museum issued a statement condemning Walz's comparison. The museum emphasised that equating the experiences of Minnesota children with those of Holocaust victims is deeply offensive and inappropriate.

'Anne Frank was targeted and murdered solely because she was Jewish,' the museum posted on X. 'Leaders making false equivalencies to her experience for political purposes is never acceptable,' they continued.

It pointed out that leaders should be cautious when making parallels involving the Holocaust, especially as incidents surge nationwide.

'Despite tensions in Minneapolis, exploiting the Holocaust is deeply offensive, especially as antisemitism surges,' they concluded.

'Offering a temporary virtual learning option for students'

Several school districts in Minnesota have responded to the climate by offering virtual learning options. Superintendents have cited safety concerns and community feedback as reasons for transitioning to remote education temporarily. This move aims to protect students and staff amid fears of ICE operations near schools and neighborhoods.

'Over the past several days, I have received hundreds of messages about offering a temporary virtual learning option for students who do not feel comfortable coming to school right now,' Stacie Stanley, St. Paul's Schools Superintendent, told The New York Times.

St. Paul's has a significant immigration population, with almost half being Spanish-speaking residents. The New York Times also cited data that one-fourth of Somalian students were absent from classes since January 9.

Notably, a 5-year-old boy and his father, both of Somali descent, were detained in their driveway after returning from preschool on January 21.

'So the story is that ICE detained a 5-year-old. Well, what are they supposed to do?' US Vice President JD Vance said in an interview.

Waltzing with Walz and Trump

Walz's remarks coincided with increased immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis, where several school districts have offered remote learning options. The decision to shift to online classes stems from community concerns about the presence of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the region.

Following Walz's comments, former President Donald Trump publicly discussed his conversation with Walz. On January 26, Trump claimed that he spoke with the governor about working together on immigration issues.

'Governor Tim Walz called me with the request to work together with respect to Minnesota,' Trump said. 'It was a very good call, and we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength,' he continued.

He mentioned that he would coordinate with former ICE Director Tom Homan to identify any criminals in custody, reflecting ongoing debates over immigration policy and law enforcement.

'The Governor, very respectfully, understood that, and I will be speaking to him in the near future,' the President added. 'Crime is way down, but both Governor Walz and I want to make it better!' he concluded.

Trump also announced on Truth Social that he made a call with Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis. 'Lots of progress is being made!' the President remarked.

The incident underscores the heightened political and social tensions in Minnesota, where immigration enforcement measures intersect with public safety concerns, community fears, and historical sensitivities.