Minnesota National Guard on Standby Amid Escalating Anti-ICE Protests in Minneapolis

January 18, 2026
Minnesota National Guard on Standby Amid Escalating Anti-ICE Protests in Minneapolis
  • Authorities emphasized the Guard’s role is to protect lives, preserve property, and support peaceful assembly, not to repress protests.

  • Protests surrounding ICE operations and the shooting of Renee Nicole Good continued, with calls for de-escalation and safety amid cold weather and rising tensions.

  • Federal response included the DHS deploying thousands of additional ICE agents to the area amid ongoing violence and vandalism against federal vehicles and property.

  • A separate DOJ inquiry was reported, examining possible conspiracy by Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey regarding ICE actions, underscoring political friction between state/local leaders and federal agencies.

  • Renee Nicole Good was shot during an interaction with an ICE agent on January 7, triggering widespread demonstrations and clashes in the Twin Cities.

  • A class-action lawsuit by the ACLU against ICE/CBP conduct and calls from local officials for restraint and legal protections for residents were among the developments tied to ICE and immigration enforcement.

  • Governor Walz mobilized the National Guard to support public safety and emergency management, though troops had not yet been deployed on city streets.

  • Protests included notable incidents, such as aggression toward Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, during demonstrations in Minneapolis.

  • The Minnesota National Guard is on standby to assist local law enforcement during escalating anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis, with plans to wear distinctive reflective vests to distinguish themselves if activated.

  • Coverage also includes Democrat-led inquiries into ICE conduct, updates on school transportation amid the crackdown, sheltering and eviction concerns for residents, and broader national political rhetoric and media narratives surrounding the issue.

  • President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if state lawmakers did not quell the unrest, signaling a potential federal intervention option.

  • Lake Street storefronts showed no-ICE signs and business owners remained cautious amid raids, while major Minnesota corporations were notably silent.

Summary based on 2 sources


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