Amid escalating dissatisfaction with the presence of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, there are calls within the state for a unique resolution — annexation as Canada’s 11th province.
Jesse Ventura, the former state governor between 1999 and 2003 and a former professional wrestler, recently proposed this idea.
During an episode of the SpinSisters podcast, Ventura, now a political commentator, expressed his vision, suggesting that rather than Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state and losing its healthcare system, he envisions Minnesotans becoming Canadians.
Following the fatal shooting of two individuals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, protests erupted, demanding the agents’ departure. President Donald Trump dispatched these agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul in December as part of his administration’s contentious immigration enforcement efforts.
Ventura criticized Trump, asserting that the President is unwelcoming to Minnesotans and proposed that Canada would be willing to embrace them.
When met with laughter by the podcast hosts, Ventura remained resolute, emphasizing the seriousness of his suggestion, urging for formal discussions with Canada to explore this possibility.
Former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura spoke on Rosemary Barton Live about his recent call for the state to join Canada and his advice for current governor Tim Walz amid Minnesota’s turmoil involving ICE agents.
An Idea Not Entirely New
For residents of Minnesota, the concept is not entirely novel.
Discussions on this topic have surfaced in online forums, with advocates appearing in local news outlets over the years, and the interest has resurfaced recently.
Given its proximity to Ontario and Manitoba, and the fact that its twin cities are situated further north than Toronto, the idea of joining Canada has garnered attention.
John Vaughn from Stillwater, near St. Paul, proposed the idea in a letter to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, highlighting similarities in accents, climate, and passion for hockey as reasons for the proposal. He humorously suggested the new province could be named “Minnetoba.”
Vaughn mentioned that his originally light-hearted proposal now seems more plausible in light of recent events.
Expressing concerns over ICE activities in Minnesota, Vaughn acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the invasion-like nature of the presence of federal agents.
Despite the playful nature of the “Minnetoba” suggestion, Vaughn remains troubled by the current circumstances in his state.