MINNESOTA January 15, 2026 -In a rare primetime address broadcast across Minnesota on January 15, Governor Tim Walz urged residents to stand firm against what he described as an “occupation” by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, while emphasizing the state’s commitment to decency and justice. The speech comes amid escalating tensions in the Twin Cities following expanded federal immigration operations under the Trump administration, which have sparked protests, violence, and at least two fatal shootings.
Walz, a Democrat and former vice presidential candidate, delivered the six-minute message from the state capitol, calling on Minnesotans to peacefully document ICE activities for potential future legal action. “You have an absolute right to peacefully film ICE agents as they conduct these activities,” Walz said. “So carry your phone with you at all times and if you see these ICE agents in your neighborhood, take out that phone and hit record. Help us create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans, not just to establish a record for posterity, but to bank evidence for future prosecution.”
The governor’s remarks were prompted by a surge in federal agents—estimated at two to three thousand armed and masked personnel—deployed to Minnesota as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” an initiative aimed at mass deportations. This operation has been linked to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, during an ICE raid in south Minneapolis on January 7, as well as another ICE-related shooting earlier in the week. Walz condemned the incidents, accusing the federal government of indiscriminate stops, entering public spaces like grocery stores and schools, and grabbing people off the streets into unmarked vans without due process.
“Donald Trump wants this chaos. He wants confusion. And yes, he wants more violence on our streets. We cannot give him what he wants,” Walz stated, directly addressing President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging them to “end this occupation.” He referenced Trump’s recent social media posts promising a “day of reckoning” after Minnesota voted against him in three consecutive elections.
Walz framed Minnesota as a beacon of values in contrast to national policies he views as cruel. “Minnesotans believe in the rule of law, and Minnesotans believe in the dignity of all people,” he said. “We’re a place where there is room for everybody, no matter who you are or who you love or where you came from. A place where we feed our kids, we take care of our neighbors, and look out for those in the shadows of life.” He concluded: “We’re an island of decency in a country being driven towards cruelty. We will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Tonight, I come before you simply to ask: don’t let anyone take that away from us. Protect each other. May God bless the people of Minnesota.”
The address has drawn sharp reactions. Supporters praised Walz for his leadership and call for non-violent resistance, with some social media users calling it a “historic speech” that embodies true decency. instagram.com +1
Critics, particularly from conservative circles, accused him of inciting violence against federal law enforcement and labeled him a “traitor” who should resign or face prosecution. One prominent reply on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “The best way you can support Minnesota is by RESIGNING, you traitor,” while another called for his imprisonment.
Minnesota GOP Chairman Alex Plechash criticized the speech as inflammatory, arguing it undermines federal authority and risks further unrest. Meanwhile, protests in Minneapolis have continued, with calls for de-escalation from both state and federal officials.
The White House has not yet responded directly to Walz’s address, but Trump has previously defended the ICE operations as necessary to “revoke and retribution” against sanctuary states like Minnesota. As tensions persist, Walz’s message underscores a deepening divide between state and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. This article is based on Governor Walz’s public address and related reports. For the full video, visit the official Minnesota Governor’s office channels.
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