Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mobilized the National Guard to protect anti-ICE protesters while the Department of Justice simultaneously launches an investigation into his administration.
Story Highlights
- National Guard placed on standby with orders to wear reflective vests if deployed to distinguish them from federal agents
- DOJ investigating Governor Walz and Mayor Frey for allegedly obstructing Trump’s Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement
- Two ICE shootings in Minneapolis triggered widespread protests, including fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7
- Federal judge restricted ICE tactics after violent clashes between pro-ICE and anti-ICE demonstrators
State Military Mobilized Against Federal Enforcement
Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on January 17, 2026, placing hundreds of soldiers on standby to support what he called “peaceful demonstration” during anti-ICE protests. Major General Shawn Manke confirmed Guard members remained mobilized but not deployed to city streets. The Department of Public Safety announced Guard personnel would wear distinctive reflective vests if activated, specifically to distinguish them from federal immigration agents operating under Trump’s Operation Metro Surge.
The mobilization followed two controversial ICE shootings within a week. On January 7, ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in south Minneapolis. Seven days later, another ICE officer shot a Venezuelan national in the leg after allegedly being attacked with a shovel and broom handle in north Minneapolis. These incidents triggered widespread community unrest and calls for federal accountability.
Watch: https://youtu.be/bsSwzWn4OUk?si=nBKF48iX9hL2E_yf
Federal-State Confrontation Escalates
The Department of Justice opened an investigation into Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal law enforcement during Trump’s massive immigration enforcement surge. Operation Metro Surge deployed approximately 3,000 federal immigration officers and ICE agents to Minnesota, representing unprecedented federal enforcement activity in the state. The DOJ investigation suggests the Biden administration holdovers view Minnesota’s protective stance toward protesters as deliberate interference with legitimate federal operations.
Adding to the federal-state tension, a Minnesota federal judge issued restrictive orders on January 17 prohibiting ICE agents from using tear gas against peaceful protesters and requiring reasonable suspicion before stopping vehicles or passengers. The judicial intervention came as heated exchanges and physical altercations erupted between pro-ICE and anti-ICE demonstrators outside Minneapolis City Hall, with conservative activist Jake Lang leading supporters of federal enforcement operations.
https://twitter.com/posted_news/status/2012687582639833347?s=20
Constitutional Crisis Over Immigration Authority
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan stated the National Guard’s purpose was “to protect people safely demonstrating and to protect small business owners,” revealing the state’s priority of shielding protesters from federal enforcement rather than supporting immigration law. This represents a dangerous precedent where state military resources could potentially interfere with constitutionally mandated federal immigration enforcement. The situation undermines federal authority and creates confusion about which level of government Americans should expect to uphold immigration law.
ICE enforcement activities extended beyond street operations to Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, where more than a dozen airport workers with valid TSA security clearances were apprehended after passing through security checkpoints. Union representatives protested these actions, but the arrests demonstrate the comprehensive nature of Trump’s enforcement surge and the legitimate scope of federal immigration authority. More than two dozen House Democrats convened an unofficial Congressional hearing in St. Paul to criticize ICE conduct, further politicizing law enforcement operations designed to protect American communities from illegal immigration.
Sources:
CBS Minnesota – Minnesota ICE shooting protests Trump insurrection act
UPI – Minnesota National Guard mobilization
ABC7 – Minneapolis ICE shooting live updates
CBS Minnesota – Minnesota protests ICE shooting law enforcement
Minnesota Governor’s Office – Press releases
KSTP – Minnesota National Guard mobilized for public safety
MPR News – Tensions high in Minneapolis
Bring Me The News – ICE raids protest updates Minnesota
