Minnesota Activates National Guard For Security Support As Protests Grow

Minneapolis, Minnesota — Minnesota is moving to boost public-safety readiness statewide after Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order directing the Minnesota National Guard to prepare to support local agencies if tensions rise and local resources are exhausted.

The order, signed Jan. 8, says the action follows the Jan. 7 shooting death of Renee Nicole Good in south Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents and comes amid public demonstrations over federal immigration enforcement tactics. The governor’s office said the state is seeing heightened fear and anger, and that readiness planning is needed in case the public-safety environment changes. 

Under Executive Order 26-01, the Adjutant General is directed to place personnel, equipment, and facilities on state active duty at a time deemed appropriate, in consultation with the governor, to coordinate and support public safety, security services, and law enforcement activities across Minnesota. The order also authorizes procurement of goods and services needed for the mission, with costs paid from the state general fund as allowed under state law. 

For families, the practical impact may be felt around large demonstrations or major public events, including potential road closures, heavier traffic near downtown areas, and a larger uniformed presence near protest routes. Parents may want to build extra time into commutes, keep kids’ after-school pickup plans flexible, and rely on district and city alerts for real-time updates.

The executive order takes effect immediately and remains in place until it is rescinded or through the end of 2026, whichever comes first.  

This article was produced by a education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.

Source: https://mn.gov/governor/assets/Executive%20Order%2026-01_tcm1055-719075.pdf