MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The mayor of Minneapolis stated that the idea of deploying active-duty soldiers to Minnesota to assist with an immigration enforcement initiative is absurd and violates constitutional rights. Mayor Jacob Frey called for protesters to maintain peace so that President Trump wouldn't find justification for military intervention.
Since early January, the Twin Cities have experienced continuous protests as the Department of Homeland Security intensified its immigration enforcement, deploying over 2,000 federal officers.
During a demonstration on Sunday, U.S. postal workers joined in chanting “Protect our routes. Get ICE out," expressing their concerns in diverse neighborhoods where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notably active.
The Pentagon indicated that about 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division stationed in Alaska are on prepare-to-deploy orders, ready for possible action in Minnesota should President Trump invoke the Insurrection Act, according to anonymous defense officials.
One official mentioned that the troops would be dispatched in the event of a significant escalation in protests. However, the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, has already mobilized the state's National Guard without deploying any units to the streets.
Mayor Frey criticized the notion of military deployment, stating, “It’s ridiculous… it’s not fair, it’s not just, and it’s completely unconstitutional." He commended the peaceful nature of the protests, asserting the community's determination not to succumb to chaos.
Frey emphasized the importance of upholding First Amendment rights, indicating that Minneapolis citizens are committed to voicing their worries about the federal government’s actions. Reports of confrontations with federal agents have raised fears and fury among locals.
Several demonstrators voiced concerns about immigration agents reportedly breaking into homes and confronting residents in public spaces, underlining the urgency of these protests.
A Republican member of the U.S. House also urged the Governor to refrain from fiery rhetoric and focus on collaboration with law enforcement, reminding that many federal agents are simply doing their jobs.
Although the situation remains tenuous, with ongoing skirmishes reported between federal officers and demonstrators, the community's resolution to defend their rights continues to be evident.
