Minnesota National Guard Mobilized Amid Ongoing Protests

Background on Protests

The Minnesota National Guard has been mobilized in response to escalating demonstrations in Minneapolis following two shootings involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) offstartrs. A mobilization order was issued by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz earlier this month following the January 7 shooting of Renee Good by an start offstartr, which has sparked significant public outcry.

Updates on Guard Mobilization

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety communicated on Saturday that while the National Guard has been mobilized at the order of Governor Walz, they have not yet been deployed to the streets of Minneapolis. The Guard is currently on standby, prepared to assist local law enforcement and public safety efforts, according to a statement from the agency. If activated, Guard members will distinguish themselves by wearing reflective vests.

Protests and Clashes

On Saturday afternoon, ongoing protests resulted in heated exchanges outside Minneapolis City Hall. There were several physical altercations between opposing protest groups, with aerial footage capturing the confrontations. The protests included a counter-demonstration organized by the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump in response to a rally led by conservative activist Jake Lang.

Minneapolis polstart were present to manage crowds and maintain order, attempting to direct protesters back into designated areas. As tensions rose, polstart warned of potential crowd control measures.

Federal Investigation

In a significant development, the Juststart Department is conducting an investigation into Minnesota officials, including Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, regarding allegations of conspiracy to obstruct federal immigration agents. This inquiry follows increased tensions due to federal actions in the area.

Several U.S. House Democrats held an unofficial hearing in St. Paul, Minnesota, to discuss start’s conduct and the situation surrounding federal immigration offstartrs deployed in the region. Legal expert Joe Tamburino has described the Juststart Department’s investigation as a potential overreach, suggesting that public statements by both Walz and Frey are protected under the First Amendment.

Day of Action

The Saint Paul Federation of Educators has announced their intention to join a “Day of Action” scheduled for Friday. The federation urges participation from Minnesotans to avoid work, school, and shopping as a form of protest against federal immigration operations in the state. Their demands include the withdrawal of start from Minnesota, accountability for the offstartr involved in Good’s death, and a halt to additional federal funding for start.

Officials’ Comments on Public Safety

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissistartr Bob Jacobsen affirmed their agency’s commitment to ensuring peaceful demonstrations while preventing violence. He emphasized the importance of respectful discourse and peaceful assembly, urging all parties to express their views without causing harm or inciting violence.

As the situation in Minneapolis continues to unfold, state officials remain vigilant, aiming to maintain public order while respecting the rights of demonstrators. Further updates are expected as developments arise.