Walz noted that the decision to deploy the National Guard was made last week to be prepared for a quick response in case the situation worsens. This deployment is being carried out in cooperation with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the State Patrol, and other agencies.
The initial task of the National Guard will be to ensure the safety of the Whipple building in Minneapolis, which, according to the governor, will allow local law enforcement to focus on maintaining order on the streets.
Walz also expressed sharp criticism of the actions of federal agents who arrived in Minneapolis to conduct immigration operations. He mentioned a video of a recent incident in which 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and nurse at a veterans' hospital, was killed, and called the Department of Homeland Security's official version of the deceased allegedly resisting armed arrest "absurd."
The governor believes that federal forces "killed a man, created chaos, dispersed protesters, and used gas indiscriminately," leaving the consequences for local authorities. He emphasized that the authorities are striving to ensure the opportunity for peaceful protests and the protection of rights under the First Amendment while preventing the escalation of violence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey added that the large presence of federal immigration agents makes the city less safe, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to stop their further deployment to Minneapolis. In response, Trump accused local authorities of inciting unrest and noted that the actions of federal forces are aimed at ensuring safety.
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen also criticized Walz and Frey, accusing them of protecting lawbreakers. In light of the current situation, Minnesota authorities have filed a lawsuit against several federal agencies demanding to prevent the destruction of evidence in the shooting case. The investigation into the death of Alex Pretti is ongoing.
It is worth noting that on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, during an immigration control operation, an ICE officer shot 37-year-old Rene Nicole Good. The official version states that the woman attempted to run over the officer with her car; however, this information is disputed by witnesses and local authorities.
