MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis labeled the notion of sending active-duty soldiers into Minnesota as a ridiculous and unconstitutional response to a heightened federal immigration crackdown. He urged protesters to maintain their peaceful approach to avoid prompting military involvement from the federal government.
Demonstrations have unfolded throughout January, ignited by the Department of Homeland Security's aggressive immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which included deploying over 2,000 federal officers.
On Sunday, postal workers led a chant in a diverse neighborhood where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has been frequent, proclaiming, Protect our routes. Get ICE out. Reports suggest that the local community has become increasingly concerned about the presence of federal officers in the area.
In a precautionary measure, the Pentagon has placed approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers from Alaska on alert, readying them for potential deployment should President Donald Trump invoke the Insurrection Act. According to anonymous defense officials, two infantry battalions from the 11th Airborne Division have been given prepare-to-deploy orders.
Frey highlighted that the involvement of military personnel would only exacerbate the tensions in Minnesota. In an interview with CNN’s State of the Union, he reiterated, It is not fair, it’s not just, and it’s completely unconstitutional.” He expressed pride in the thousands of residents actively exercising their right to protest peacefully.
The ongoing demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, as the mayor urges citizens not to respond to provocation with chaos. Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the Minnesota National Guard, but no units have yet been deployed onto city streets.
Protests have heightened following incidents involving aggressive ICE actions, including an incident where an officer shot and killed Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, during a confrontation. Citizens have voiced their objections against the violent operations, calling for compassion towards their neighbors, including documented immigrants.
As protests persist, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called for a more supportive dialogue towards local law enforcement, stating, These are not mean-spirited people...they feel like they’re under attack. Social media has circulated videos depicting federal officers using pepper spray and capturing individuals, despite a federal judge ruling that prohibits such actions against peaceful protesters.
The Minneapolis community continues to rally in response to the escalating federal actions, striving to ensure the safety and rights of all individuals within their neighborhoods.
