MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vehemently opposed the potential deployment of active-duty soldiers in response to the ongoing immigration crackdown in Minnesota, deeming it both ridiculous and unconstitutional.
Protests have been ongoing throughout January as the Department of Homeland Security ramped up its enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities by sending more than 2,000 federal officers into the area.
In a diverse neighborhood heavily impacted by these federal actions, postal workers demonstrated on Sunday, chanting: Protect our routes. Get ICE out. This reflects a larger sentiment of community members who are accustomed to seeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers frequently in their midst.
The Pentagon has placed about 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division on standby for a potential deployment to Minnesota, should President Trump decide to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used 19th-century law.
“It’s ridiculous, but we will not be intimidated by the actions of this federal government,” Frey stated during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union. He emphasized that these actions are unfair, unjust, and unconstitutional.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Frey commended the peaceful nature of the protests, stating, “Thousands of Minneapolis citizens are exercising their First Amendment rights.” He vowed not to engage in chaos in response to Trump's actions.
Governor Tim Walz has also mobilized the Minnesota National Guard; however, no units have been deployed to quash protests yet. Following an incident where an immigration officer shot U.S. citizen Renee Good during a confrontation, citizens are voicing their opposition fervently.
Participants like postal worker Peter Noble have chosen to march, sharing that ICE has acted recklessly in their community. “I’ve seen them driving dangerously on the streets while I am on my route, putting lives at risk,” he remarked.
While Frey and other local leaders call for calm, Republican U.S. House member Tom Emmer has urged the state government to support law enforcement efforts instead of escalating tensions with federal agents.
Throughout social media, reports emerged of federal officers using pepper spray against demonstrators and forcing people into custody. A federal judge ruled that immigration officials cannot detain or use force against peaceful protesters, an essential ruling amid the crackdown.
