Minneapolis Mayor Declares Sending Soldiers for Immigration Crackdown Unconstitutional

The Mayor of Minneapolis condemned the idea of deploying soldiers for immigration enforcement, labelling it unconstitutional. He urged peaceful protests as tensions rise with increased federal presence in the area.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticised the idea of deploying active-duty soldiers to Minnesota for immigration enforcement, calling it "ridiculous and unconstitutional." He urged protesters to remain peaceful to avoid giving President Donald Trump a reason to send in the military. Protests have been ongoing since the US Department of Homeland Security increased immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

In response to the heightened enforcement, postal workers marched through a diverse neighbourhood, chanting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 soldiers from Alaska's 11th Airborne Division to be ready for potential deployment to Minnesota. This move follows President Trump's consideration of invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow military intervention.

Military Readiness and Local Response

Two defence officials revealed that two infantry battalions have received prepare-to-deploy orders. However, Trump has temporarily backed off from this threat. Mayor Frey emphasised that Minneapolis citizens are exercising their First Amendment rights peacefully and stated, "We will not counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos here."

Governor Tim Walz has mobilised the Minnesota National Guard but has not deployed them on the streets. Meanwhile, Peter Noble joined fellow postal workers in a protest march on their day off. They passed a site where an immigration officer fatally shot Renee Good, a US citizen, during a confrontation on January 7.

Community Concerns and Federal Actions

Letter carrier Susan Becker participated in the march despite the cold weather. She stressed the importance of opposing federal actions she deemed wrong. Becker reported ICE agents breaking into apartments and tackling people in parking lots. "These people are by and large citizens and immigrants," she said, highlighting their right to be in the country.

A Republican US House member urged Governor Walz to moderate his comments about opposing federal actions. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer stated that many officers are simply doing their jobs and feel under attack. He noted that tensions start at the top and called for understanding.

Legal Rulings and Social Media Impact

Social media videos have shown federal officers using pepper spray on protesters, breaking down doors, and forcibly detaining individuals. A federal judge recently ruled that immigration officers cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities during the Minnesota crackdown.

The situation remains tense as local leaders navigate federal enforcement actions while advocating for peaceful protests. The community continues to voice concerns over aggressive tactics used by federal officers in their neighbourhoods.

With inputs from PTI