The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says state law enforcement agencies will be standing ready this weekend in Minneapolis to keep protesters safe but it is up to them to show the rest of the country that they can peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights.
State officials are preparing for a rally organized by conservative influencers and the potential for counter-protests and demonstrations by local groups.
Far-right activist Jake Lang, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida, said on X that thousands of people are coming to Minnesota to march as “Christian Crusaders” supporting ICE agents and calling for the arrest of Gov. Tim Walz.
Members of the Minnesota State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources and Metro Transit and University of Minnesota police will be out supporting local law enforcement, and the National Guard will be on stand-by, said Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson during a Friday afternoon press conference.
He urged protesters to remain peaceful.
“We recognize and understand the deep concern and grief that they, and so many in our community and across the country, are still feeling following some recent events in our state,” Jacobson said. “We also know that demonstrations include strong emotions, beliefs and desires to be heard. And it is critical that those voices are expressed safely, so that they can be heard.”
Any actions that harm people, destroy property or jeopardize public safety will not be tolerated by law enforcement and could result in arrest, he said.
Related Articles
State disputes ICE claim: ‘1,360 criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota’s custody’
Family of U.S. citizen detained by ICE in St. Paul seeks her release
Minnesotans can report on impacts of federal actions on state AG website
Ramsey County sets plan to investigate federal officer shooting cases
ICE arrest of Cottage Grove food shelf volunteer has community on edge
Leave a Reply