Walz mobilizes National Guard for Minnesota protests

Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) mobilized the state National Guard on Saturday as anti-ICE protesters have taken to the streets in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed the mobilization in a post on X, saying that troops are currently engaging in staging exercises. If deployed, they will be armed and will wear reflective vests to distinguish themselves, the Minnesota National Guard said.

“Members of the Minnesota National Guard are on standby, ready to assist local law enforcement and public safety agencies,” the agency posted on X. “These Minnesota National Guardsmen live, work, and serve in our state, and are focused on protecting life, preserving property, and ensuring Minnesotans can safely exercise their First Amendment rights.”

Crowds of anti-ICE protesters were seen outside Minneapolis City Hall,