Governor Tim Walz has officially placed the Minnesota National Guard on standby following a tragic shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis. The decision comes after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a 37-year-old woman during a Wednesday morning operation. The incident has sparked immediate protests and heightened tensions across the Twin Cities, prompting state leaders to prepare for potential unrest.
During a recent press conference, Governor Walz announced that he has issued a “warning order” to the National Guard. While this does not mean troops are patrolling the streets yet, it serves as a formal notification for soldiers to begin necessary preparations, such as checking equipment and coordinating schedules, so they can deploy quickly if local law enforcement needs extra support. Alongside this move, the Governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center to help different government agencies work together more effectively.
The Governor did not hold back his frustration regarding the federal government’s actions. He criticized the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, describing the recent surge of federal agents into Minnesota as a “reality TV” style of governing that prioritizes headlines over actual community safety. Walz argued that the lack of communication between federal agencies and local leaders created a dangerous environment, calling the fatal shooting a predictable and avoidable tragedy. His message to federal officials was blunt: Minnesota does not want or need further federal intervention, stating that they have already done enough damage.
Walz emphasized that while he understands and shares the public’s anger, the priority must remain on keeping neighborhoods safe and preventing further violence. He encouraged residents to exercise their right to protest but urged them to do so peacefully. He noted that the state’s goal is to maintain order without escalating the situation, famously remarking that those seeking a “show” of conflict should not be given what they want.
In addition to the National Guard being on notice, the Minnesota State Patrol has already mobilized nearly 100 members of its Mobile Response Team to assist local police. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is also conducting an investigation into the shooting to ensure accountability. As the Twin Cities navigate this tense period, the Governor’s actions signal a dual approach: preparing for the worst-case scenario while demanding a change in how federal law enforcement operates within the state.
