In the midst of mounting discontent over the presence of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, some residents are proposing an unconventional solution – to become Canada’s 11th province. Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler and Minnesota’s governor from 1999 to 2003, recently advocated for this idea. He suggested that instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America and risking losing their healthcare, he would prefer for all Minnesotans to become Canadians. This proposal comes following the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who fatally shot two individuals in Minneapolis this month, sparking protests and demands for their departure. President Donald Trump dispatched agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul in early December as part of the administration’s contentious immigration crackdown.
Ventura asserted that it is evident that Trump does not want Minnesotans and expressed confidence that Canada would welcome them. Despite initial skepticism from the podcast hosts, Ventura remained resolute in his proposal, emphasizing the need to explore the possibility with Canada.
The concept of Minnesota joining Canada is not new, with discussions surfacing online and in local news outlets over the years. The state’s proximity to Ontario and Manitoba, along with shared cultural similarities, has fueled interest in this idea. John Vaughn, a resident of Stillwater, proposed the notion of Minnesota becoming Canada’s 11th province last March, suggesting the name “Minnetoba” for the potential new province.
Vaughn, who initially presented the idea jokingly, now views it as a more viable option given recent events. He expressed concerns about ICE’s presence in Minnesota, describing it as an “invasion” and calling for its prompt cessation. Ventura, in a subsequent interview, endorsed the Minnetoba name and clarified that while he had not thoroughly researched the process of seceding from the U.S. or Canada’s willingness to accept Minnesota, he believed Minnesotans would benefit from becoming part of Canada.
The growing discontent among Minnesotans stems from the perceived aggression of federal agents and the escalating tensions within the state. Asa McKercher, an expert in Canada-US relations, highlighted the shared values and social programs between Minnesotans and Canadians, underscoring the potential for a harmonious integration.
While the idea of swapping countries has been met with jest from both sides of the border, legal impediments prevent unilateral secession of a state from the U.S. McKercher emphasized that state secession is not legally feasible without unanimous consent from all states or through force, making the prospect highly unlikely.