🚨 The Minnesota National Guard has been placed on standby as tensions between protesters and federal immigration authorities reach boiling point in Minneapolis. This comes exactly two years after the controversial 2024 federal intervention in Portland, Oregon, with many young activists drawing parallels to current events.
Governor vs. President
Governor Tim Walz activated the Guard this week following a series of clashes between protesters and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The move comes after former President Donald Trump (who left office in 2025) suggested reviving his 2020 playbook by invoking the Insurrection Act – a proposal Walz called 'dangerous federal overreach'.
Roots of the Crisis
The current unrest stems from the January 7, 2026 shooting of 37-year-old Renée Good by an ICE agent during a routine check. While federal authorities claim Good attempted to run over officers, local officials argue bodycam footage contradicts this narrative. This marks the second fatal ICE encounter in Minnesota this month alone.
📱 Social media footage shows protesters chanting 'No justice, no peace' outside ICE facilities, while National Guard units remain stationed at key infrastructure points. 'We're here to protect everyone's right to protest safely,' a Guard spokesperson told NewspaperAmigo.com.
Political Firestorm
Former President Trump doubled down on his rhetoric this week, labeling protesters 'professional agitators' in a Truth Social post. Meanwhile, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) accused federal authorities of 'manufacturing crisis' during Friday's congressional hearing.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, both parties are watching Minnesota closely. With National Guard troops now on high alert, all eyes remain on the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 🌊✊
