Communications Guide: Walz Mobilizes the Minnesota National Guard
What is happening
Governor Walz just activated the Minnesota National Guard to support law enforcement as tensions rise in the state following multiple shootings of Minnesotans by Department of Homeland Security agents. Under this deployment, Governor Walz activated his state’s National Guard, which keeps control at the state level.
Why this matters
Unlike the National Guard deployments elsewhere in the country, a state calling up its troops during civil unrest is not unusual. They are trained to support public safety during emergencies, periods when state and local law enforcement services are truly overwhelmed. When used carefully and with the consent of state and local leaders, the National Guard can help support public safety and protect peaceful protests. Used poorly, their presence can raise fear, increase tension, and damage trust between communities and public institutions. The goal should always be de-escalation, protection of life, and respect for civil rights.
How to talk about it
Emphasize restraint and clarity of mission
Make clear that the National Guard should protect people, not intimidate them
Focus on peaceful protest, public safety, and civilian oversight
Avoid framing members of the National Guard members as enemies
Simple framing:
“The National Guard should be used to help keep Minnesotans safe and lower tensions, not become part of the problem.”
What should the National Guard be doing?
Right now, Minnesota is in the heart of winter—a period when the National Guard is routinely called upon for life-saving disaster response. In just the past weeks, Guard members were deployed to rescue stranded motorists during blizzard conditions when local capacity was overwhelmed. Seasonal forecasts indicate continued elevated risk from severe winter weather in the weeks ahead.
Under state active duty, the Minnesota National Guard’s proper role is to remain focused on protecting life, stabilizing communities, and staying ready for the emergencies Minnesotans face, including:
Winter disaster response, such as rescuing stranded motorists, supporting counties during blizzards, and maintaining access when roads are impassable.
Public safety stabilization, serving as a disciplined backstop to help lower tensions and protect peaceful civic activity—not as a frontline enforcement force.
Short-notice emergency readiness, ensuring capacity is available if additional storms, infrastructure failures, or public safety crises occur.
Sustaining readiness and morale, so citizen-soldiers are not overextended or diverted from missions that directly protect their neighbors.
The need to activate the National Guard for civil unrest is a cost imposed on Minnesota communities by reckless federal enforcement actions that escalated risk and forced the state to divert critical Guard resources simply to keep people safe.
Learn more about recent missions conducted in their home state by the Minnesota National Guard by reading our Home State Activity Report.
What everyday people can do
Support peaceful, lawful protest
Ask state leaders to keep the National Guard’s mission focused on protecting Minnesotans
Speak out against expanding the National Guard’s role into federal enforcement
Share accurate information and avoid spreading rumors
Look out for neighbors and help keep demonstrations calm and safe
