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Minnesota National Guard on Standby to Support Local Law Enforcement Amid Tensions
MLN — 19 JAN 2026: The Minnesota National Guard confirmed on Saturday that its troops are on standby and ready to assist local law enforcement and public safety agencies as unrest continues in the state, officials said in an online post. The Guard said that if activated, service members would wear reflective vests to distinguish themselves from other agencies with similar uniforms.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz directed the Guard to prepare for possible deployment amid protests over federal immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Department of Public Safety said the troops are staging to support local authorities and emergency management agencies but have not been deployed to city streets.
In a post on X, the Guard said its members “live, work and serve in our state” and are focused on protecting life, preserving property and ensuring residents can exercise their rights peacefully. It added that reflective vests would help the Guard be clearly identifiable if called into action.
The mobilization follows several weeks of protests and confrontations tied to a major federal immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. That operation has drawn thousands of immigration agents to the region, and local and state leaders have expressed concern about the scope and impact of the activity.
In addition to the National Guard’s readiness, about 1,500 active-duty U.S. Army soldiers from Alaska have been placed on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, according to Pentagon sources. Those troops are trained for cold-weather operations and could be ordered to support broader federal efforts, although no decision has been announced.
Officials emphasized that the Minnesota National Guard’s current role is preparatory and advisory, with any activation dependent on requests from local law enforcement and state authorities. Authorities have said the Guard would act to support public safety while continuing to respect peaceful demonstrations.
