Longtime Hallmark star and Minnesota native Ben Rosenbaum says he’s “heartbroken” by the situation that’s unfolded in his home state, where DHS has sent over 3,000 federal agents for an immigration crackdown known as “Operation Metro Surge,” per local FOX affiliate KMSP.
Rosenbaum, who’s been part of the “When Calls The Heart” cast since 2014, received an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues after posting a message about the developments in Minnesota on January 25, 2026, one day after the Border Patrol fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the local VA.
“I am heartbroken for Minneapolis right now,” Rosenbaum wrote before the latest episode of WCTH aired, as Hope Valley’s residents are finding ways to embrace refugees from a nearby town destroyed by a wildfire. “For those of you who will be gathering around with friends and loved ones to watch WCTH tonight: watch the community of Hope Valley caring for each other through a crisis, and if you align yourself with the values we share on our show please keep Minnesotans in your hearts, they are under siege and need your support. 💜 Stand With Minnesota link in my bio.”
‘When Calls The Heart’ Stars Rally Around Ben Rosenbaum & Minnesota
Fans and fellow Hallmark stars rallied around Rosenbaum’s post, and the link he shared to Stand With Minnesota, featuring a vetted list of mutual aid opportunities to help residents — including many immigrants who are in hiding, too scared to go to work or school.
Among those who cheered Rosenbaum’s post was his wife — and WCTH lead actress — Erin Krakow, who commented, “You are the most empathetic and thoughtful. You make the world a better place.”
Many of their WCTH colleagues chimed in, including Kevin McGarry, who wrote, “Minnesota has my support ♥️” and Andrea Brooks, who wrote, “You’re a good man, Ben. ♥️Minnesota♥️”
Another WCTH actress, Miranda MacDougall commented, “You’re a real one @ben_rosenbaum 🙌🏽❤️” and Johannah Newmarch added, “THIS. Beautifully said dearest Ben. 🙏♥️”
Fellow Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach weighed in, too, writing, “Thank you for using your voice and bearing your compassionate soul. I stand with the people of Minnesota. 🙏🏼”
Many Fans Thanked Ben Rosenbaum for His Message
Rosenbaum grew up in Minneapolis, honing his acting skills in the prestigious theater scene there. In November, he told EntertainmentNow that he and Krakow met in 2009 when she starred as Cecily in “The Importance of Being Earnest” and he was an understudy for the characters of Algernon and Jack.
Although they live in Los Angeles — and in Vancouver when filming WCTH — the couple still visits family and friends in Minneapolis, so the recent unrest has been especially hard for him to watch. Many fans from the area thanked him for speaking out about the situation.
One wrote, “Thank you for this, fellow Minnesotan 👏🏻❤️ We are looking forward to some joy tonight 🫶🏻🫶🏻”
Another fan shared, “We are not ok here…. But You guys are the best. This hour is literally my escape from what is happening in my city and all the heaviness that is happening here. Thank you @ben_rosenbaum (and all our @wcth cast and crew for being a beacon of hope and an escape. Being a teacher in MN and parenting our kids through this time is literally the hardest ever but we Minnesotans are resilient and know our rights. Love to all you cast and crew!”
“Thank you for these words from a Minnesotan,” someone else commented. “We are not ok. But we are showing our country just what we are made of and standing up & fighting for what’s right. We will not back down and we will come out on the other side of this stronger & better because we are ONE MINNESOTA!!♥️”
❤️Minnesota❤️ ICE OUT!
Very sad this actor is using this outlet to spread ffalse infomation. The so called innocent RN came to the potests with a gun he pointedat an official agent an had two moe magazines. If he was a good “RN” he would not hve been there. WAlz should be charged with treasonus acts against American Taxpaying Citizens. Nne of these criminal illegals shoud be receiving money from American Taxpayers.
I agree! It’s a pity Hallmark had to make this political. Why can’t you just keep your feelings to yourself and not throw it in with the Hallmark mix? Hallmark is supposed to be the getaway from all this chaos on the news. Neutral. Well, you just ruined it!
Maybe some of us have more compassion with real life rather than a television show and when tragic events happen in our world we want to support those we care about who maybe closely connected with said tragedy and if they happen to work at the same place there is absolutely nothing wrong with speaking up and giving support.
Thanks to All the men and women who Fought for this Country, we have Freedom to speak our mind; However, Lies from the Governor, Mayor, other elected officials and the Police Chief are the Reason this State is in Complete Chaos-
Trying to repeat 2020 is a road of destruction!!
I’m Sorry about the 2 deaths, Never should have happened,
Ms. Good put herself in a place of bad choices.
The man on Saturday brought a Gun, 2 magazine clips and No Id on him-
Where is that a good idea??
I don’t agree with the Bombastic language from Anyone, find your Humanity and wait till All the Facts(not opinions) are Out.
My state of Texas has way over 10 times the amount of Illegal people w/Horrible rap sheets,
Sure we have pockets of Loony Liberals, looking at you Weird Austin, Houston & Dallas to name a few-
Yet we work with the Federal government so that
Child Rapist, Murders, etc….
Don’t roam the streets endlessly causing Evil!
If the lunatic from CNN and his merry minions came into a Church in Texas(even Austin) and tried to disrupt a Church Service, it would have been a Very Brief disruption-
*Don’t Mess with Texas*
Isn’t just a Quote
Amen from a lifelong Texas.
If dear Ben is COMMUNICATING THAT he stands with the people of Minnesota, meaning that he is against ‘law and order,’ then I grieve for him. I really enjoy when calls the heart. When calls the heart backs up the ‘law man’ upholding the law. Ice officers are officers of law enforcement upholding the law that is already on the books. That is where the crew on when calls the heart needs to be if they are consistent with their WCTH values. Our media most of the time does not tell the truth, and they present the news with a slant against law and order. This is so dangerous for our country especially the gullible. We need discernment to judge the situation in Minnesota. We are sorrowful over the loss of life and the ice officers are as well. All of this could’ve been avoided if upholding the law was a priority of the people that lost their lives. Also at fault, is the governmental leadership in Minnesota for stoking violence with their dangerous rhetoric. Finally, the governor is going to cooperate with our federal government over criminals. It is a travesty that the governor did not cooperate from the beginning because maybe his cooperation could’ve saved those precious lives.
Agree. This is super disappointing to read that Hallmark actors are not consistent with the WCTH values. Other states have handed over literally thousands of illegal criminals with zero protests because those states are following the law and cooperating with the Feds. Obama deported 5 million without a single protest. Entertainers really should stick to entertaining and stay out of politics. It automatically “colors” how we view those stars and it ruins it for me. I may have to rethink my Hallmark+ paid subscription.
I don’t understand how people can justify the execution of two individuals who were merely exercising their right to protest. Most of these ICE men are January 6th invaders of our capital and murderers of police defending their government. You say you are sorry, but somehow I don’t believe there is any sincerity in your post. I say don’t mess with Minnesota.
Hey Ben, what if one of those people you are graciously providing food and shelter for on WCTH sexually molested Mae? Should he be allowed to walk free? What is he sexually molested your sister on the show and brutally killed her? Still want us to be kind? Let’s put this in perspective. Those are the people you are asking us to support. Those are the people your kind state are fighting for.
Not an inspiring message when you defend illegals who have committed heinous crimes causing hundreds of citizens, through no fault of their own, to lose their lives. Two people made bad decisions to protest the deportation of criminals and put themselves at risk, their choice, their decision. Had they carried signs rather than choose to use a car as a weapon and carry a gun with with extra ammunition was doing a little more than protesting. Too bad they lost their lives needlessly, could have made a decision to stay home. Too bad Hollywood types are so quick to ignore the harm these illegals have wrought on this nation but so willing to defend people who make bad decisions. Hope none of the Hollywood people experience a heinous crime committed by one of the overwhelming number of pekoe illegally in this nation. There is a right way and a wrong way to enter this country. Those who take the time and effort to do so legally are welcome.
Your state is under siege by paid protestors. If the protesters got out of the way there wouldn’t be any danger. Blowing whistles, car horns, protesters rushing ICE agents. It is chaos and dangerous.