MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has rejected the notion of deploying active-duty soldiers to assist with federal immigration crackdowns in the state, labeling the idea as ridiculous and unconstitutional. His remarks come amid ongoing protests against intensified federal immigration actions over the past few weeks.
Since the Department of Homeland Security increased its presence in the Twin Cities, more than 2,000 federal officers have reportedly been deployed, leading to regular demonstrations as residents advocate for the protection of their communities. During a recent protest, U.S. postal workers marched, denouncing the aggressive tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
The Pentagon has prepared several hundred soldiers for potential deployment in Minnesota, should President Donald Trump invoke the Insurrection Act—a rarely utilized law that allows the federal government to send military troops into states to quell disturbances. One defense official indicated that the troops from Alaska remain on standby.
Amid these developments, Mayor Frey has urged protestors to remain peaceful and assured the public that citizen demonstrations have been justified. He emphasized that the community would not respond to chaos with chaos, promoting a message of calm and resilience among residents.
Thousands of individuals have participated in demonstrations aimed at highlighting the perceived injustices in immigration enforcement practices. Many protestors, including those working in essential services, express solidarity with those affected by ICE operations, particularly following the shooting of Renee Good during an immigration confrontation.
The tension has also prompted reactions from political leaders with Republican U.S. House members advising that Governor Tim Walz should tone down his rhetoric regarding confrontations with federal authorities. They assert that immigration enforcement officers are performing their duties and should not feel under attack.
Online, incidents involving federal officers employing crowd control methods, such as pepper spray against protestors, have surfaced, raising concerns about the treatment of those advocating for civil rights. Meanwhile, a federal judge recently ruled that immigration officers could not detain or use tear gas against peaceful protestors, affirming the right to demonstration.
