On Saturday, the Minnesota National Guard announced it is prepared to assist local law enforcement as protests against ICE escalate in Minneapolis. They also introduced unique identification items they plan to wear if deployed.
According to the National Guard, they are “on standby and ready to assist local law enforcement and public safety agencies.” They shared a photo showing some personnel with their faces blurred, armed and donned in bright yellow safety vests over uniforms.
If activated, Guard members will wear reflective vests to signify their presence distinctly from other agencies with similar gear.
While the military hasn’t been deployed yet, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mobilized them Saturday afternoon to support law enforcement and emergency services amidst ongoing unrest in the troubled city.
Images circulating on social media exhibit Guards organizing Humvees and arranging their equipment.
The police department noted, “Although we are not deployed on city streets at this time, we stand ready to assist in public safety, including protecting life, safeguarding property, and supporting the right of everyone to peacefully assemble.”
Violence has surged in the Twin Cities since January 7, when protester Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer during a chaotic encounter involving a fleeing SUV.
This incident triggered disruptive protests and intense confrontations between protesters and immigration officials, leading the Department of Homeland Security to dispatch thousands of extra ICE agents to troubled areas.
Amid calls for moderation in demonstrations, the protests became increasingly chaotic, with reports of federal vehicles vandalized and government property taken.
Recently, a March Against Injustice saw significant backlash, where video footage appeared to capture left-wing demonstrators attacking Florida Senate candidate Jake Lang, who had been pardoned in connection with events from January 6. He was reportedly wearing a bulletproof vest while claiming, “We deserve a future for white Americans,” just before the attacks occurred.
On Thursday, President Trump hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops if state lawmakers failed to curb the unrest. This seldom-used law grants the president the authority to send in military or National Guard forces to suppress insurrection, even against the wishes of state governors.
