On Thursday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took the decisive step of mobilizing the Minnesota National Guard to stand ready in the wake of a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in south Minneapolis. This move aims to bolster local and state law enforcement efforts in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the public’s safety.

The governor’s office confirmed that the National Guard’s role would be supportive, concentrating on protecting property, securing essential infrastructure, and enabling local law enforcement to focus on maintaining community safety and carrying out investigative duties effectively.

In a statement, Governor Walz expressed appreciation for the community’s response, saying, “Minnesotans have risen to the occasion. Thousands have peacefully made their voices heard. Minnesota, thank you. We witnessed powerful peace.” He expressed optimism that this peaceful trend would continue.

Governor Walz added, “On Wednesday, I ordered the National Guard to be prepared should their assistance become necessary. They remain on standby, ready to help maintain peace, ensure public safety, and facilitate peaceful protests if required.”

Governor Tim Walz addressed the media during a news conference following the fatal shooting incident in Minneapolis, emphasizing the state’s commitment to public safety and peaceful expression. (Fox News/Pool)

The staging, authorized by an executive order, allows National Guard personnel on state active duty to coordinate and support public safety and security services in Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Patrol has also mobilized 85 members of its Mobile Response Team to support law enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities.

During a news conference Wednesday, Walz said, “We’ve never been at war with our federal government,” raising concerns he would use the National Guard to push back on federal immigration enforcement action in the state.

A demonstrator faces a Border Patrol agent during a protest outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis Thursday. (Tim Evans/Reuters)

“We do not need any further help from the federal government. To [President] Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you’ve done enough. I’ve issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard,” Walz said. 

“We have soldiers in training and prepared to be deployed if necessary. I remind you, a warning order is a heads-up for folks. Minnesota will not allow our community to be used as a prop in a national political fight.”

Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., subsequently urged Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act against Walz, calling for his arrest.

Border Patrol federal agents detain a demonstrator at a protest over the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a rally outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis Jan. 8, 2026. (Tim Evans/Reuters)

“Someone remind him: Donald Trump is the Commander in Chief. And federal authority supersedes state authority,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote in a social media post. 

“That’s not an opinion, that’s the Constitution. What Walz is threatening has a name: insurrection. Mr. President, the law is on your side. Use it.”

Walz’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for clarification on his comments.