01/22/2026
League of Women Voters Condemns Unwarranted Federal Military Escalation in Minnesota
ST. PAUL AND WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and the League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following joint statement in response to the escalation of federal military activity in Minnesota:
“Minnesota is grieving and on edge. The killing of Renee Good has devastated her loved ones and shaken communities across our state. At a moment when Minnesotans deserve accountability, care, and calm leadership, the President has instead chosen to escalate fear by threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act and to place federal military forces on standby.
“There is no justification for a federal military presence in Minnesota. State and local officials have not requested it, and no conditions exist that warrant the use or threat of federal force. Invoking the specter of the Insurrection Act or positioning active-duty troops is not about public safety — it is about intimidation and the misuse of executive power.
“Minnesotans have endured profound trauma in recent years and have repeatedly shown that lasting safety comes from people power: communities coming together to reject hatred, violence, and mistrust, and to demand justice through democratic means. Militarization undermines that work. It escalates tension, erodes trust, and puts residents at greater risk.
“The League of Women Voters calls on Congress to exercise its constitutional oversight authority and investigate these threats of federal overreach. We urge the public to reject efforts to normalize the use of military force as a response to civic unrest or tragedy.
“The League stands with Minnesotans in affirming that democracy is built by the people, not imposed through fear or force. We strongly condemn any unwarranted federal military deployment or threat of deployment in Minnesota or anywhere in the United States.”
LWVMN Co-Sponsors Ice Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth & Freedom on January 23
LWVMN is a proud co- sponsor of tomorrow's economic pause and march. Defending Democracy is part of our mission and means speaking up and taking action when our constitutional rights are being violated and accountability has gone by the wayside.
Recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota have raised serious concerns about civil liberties and due process. ICE Out of MN calls attention to these harms and invites communities across the state to take collective, nonviolent action.
We encourage Minnesotans to participate in an economic pause tomorrow by not going to work, school or shopping as a powerful way to demonstrate shared values. Community members are also invited to join the peaceful march that begins at 2 pm at the Commons in downtown Minneapolis.
Date & Time: Friday, January 23 @ 2 PM
Location: Starting at The Commons, 425 Portland Ave., S., Mpls, MN 55488.
March about one mile to TARGET CENTER, 600 1st Avenue N., Minneapolis, where we will rally indoors.
Safety Note: Tomorrow the high is -10. Being outside with exposed skin can be dangerous as frostbite and hypothermia can occur quickly without the right gear. Dress in multiple insulated layers, cover all skin and use hand and foot warmers.
There are many ways to get involved beyond January 23. Visit our Take Action page to learn more about ongoing opportunities to advocate for constitutional rights, the rule of law, civic participation, and accountability.
Fired Up Friday! Join us tomorrow (1/23) for our Fired Up Friday call at noon to learn more about how to support our communities impacted by ICE in this moment and demand ICE Out of MN. Together, we can show that Minnesota stands for democracy and justice for all.
Send a message to learn more
