Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took decisive action on Thursday by authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to be on standby, ready to assist local and state law enforcement agencies. This move comes in response to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in South Minneapolis.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the soldiers will be deployed in a supportive capacity. Their primary responsibilities will include protecting property, securing essential infrastructure, and enabling local law enforcement to focus on community safety and ongoing investigations.
Governor Walz expressed gratitude for the peaceful response from Minnesotans. “The people of Minnesota have risen to the occasion with thousands making their voices heard peacefully. Thank you for demonstrating powerful peace,” he stated. “We have every reason to believe that this peace will continue to hold.”
The governor further noted, “On Wednesday, I instructed the National Guard to be prepared, should their presence be necessary. They remain on standby to help maintain peace, ensure public safety, and facilitate peaceful demonstrations if needed.”
Governor Walz addressed the media during a press conference following the tragic ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis. (Image courtesy of Fox News/Pool)
The executive order authorizing the National Guard’s staging enables these personnel to be on state active duty, coordinating and enhancing public safety and security efforts across Minnesota.
The Minnesota State Patrol has also mobilized 85 members of its Mobile Response Team to support law enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities.
During a news conference Wednesday, Walz said, “We’ve never been at war with our federal government,” raising concerns he would use the National Guard to push back on federal immigration enforcement action in the state.
A demonstrator faces a Border Patrol agent during a protest outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis Thursday. (Tim Evans/Reuters)
“We do not need any further help from the federal government. To [President] Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you’ve done enough. I’ve issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard,” Walz said.
“We have soldiers in training and prepared to be deployed if necessary. I remind you, a warning order is a heads-up for folks. Minnesota will not allow our community to be used as a prop in a national political fight.”
Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., subsequently urged Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act against Walz, calling for his arrest.
Border Patrol federal agents detain a demonstrator at a protest over the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a rally outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis Jan. 8, 2026. (Tim Evans/Reuters)
“Someone remind him: Donald Trump is the Commander in Chief. And federal authority supersedes state authority,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote in a social media post.
“That’s not an opinion, that’s the Constitution. What Walz is threatening has a name: insurrection. Mr. President, the law is on your side. Use it.”
Walz’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for clarification on his comments.
