Things in Minneapolis and Minnesota Are All Fucked Up.

[MineralMan]

I'm sitting here in a western suburb of Minneapolis with live TV on the tube and me monitoring things on the Internet and on DU.

Here's the thing: If you're not here in the state, you have no idea what should be done and by whom. I'm here. I'm watching live. I don't have any idea, either. It is very, very complex. The Governor, the Mayor of MPLS, the Chief of Police of MPLS are on this. They have more information than any of us here do. They have capabilities that nobody on DU has. They are deeply involved in what is going on.

Lots of people are demanding that lots of things should happen. Almost all of those demands are based on almost no real-time knowledge at all. So, those demands are useless and will not be followed.

We can observe. We can, if we are here, go to Minneapolis and join the crowd, but that is also an ineffective action to take. My general health and advanced age keep me from going the 7 miles I'd have to to be where this is going on. I would be useless there if I did go.

So, I'm watching. What I'm not doing is telling leaders in the city where this is happening what they should do. I'm not going to do that. I don't know what they know. I can't do anything. So, I'm shutting the fuck up and observing closely what is happening. It's frustrating, but that's the reality of the situation.

Observe. Learn everything you can. Make suggestions to legislators who represent you in DC or in Minnesota. But, you don't know what needs to be done right here and right now.. I guarantee that. Demands you might make are just more noise.

[stopdiggin]

1. absolutely spot on. and thank you!

PRESERVE us - from the armchair quarterbacks .. !

[Kid Berwyn]

2. It's not complex.

The federal government is run by a NAZI madman and his co-conspirators in treason.

[MineralMan]

3. The situation is not complex.

Solving it, however, is massively complex.

[uppityperson]

6. Step 1 : get ice out of the city, then state

"Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz said in a post on X.

[MineralMan]

7. Hmm...how do you do that, I wonder?

"Get Ice Out!" Great slogan. Shitty plan, though.

See what I mean. It's easy to say what you want to have happened. Much harder to describe how to make what you want actually happen.

[Kid Berwyn]

11. Call up the Minnesota National Guard to enforce the law.

Gov. Walz, I believe, is one guy with authority willing to defend the people of Minnesota.

[MineralMan]

15. You realize that Trump can take control of the National Guard

by signing something, right. And, if he does, they take orders from the President. It's good to know how things actually work, I think.

[Kid Berwyn]

16. Of course, their job is to follow orders.

Legal orders. In that case, I'll stand with Walz.

[ancianita]

23. True, if he invokes the Insurrection Act. But as you say, he's not there and doesn't know enough facts to invoke it.

While governors usually control their state's Guard, the President can invoke the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251-255) to suppress rebellion, domestic violence, or enforce federal laws, particularly if they believe state authorities cannot or will not.

"If they believe..." is key. Yes, it's good to know how things actually work, and that how Trump actually works to take control is that he lies.

He might do that, but it looks as if the video evidence has already hit mainstream media -- e.g., NBC and The Guardian. And the AP reports (Steve Karnowski) that the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has asked for help from the Minnesota National Guard.

Sheriff Dawanna Witt has requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard at the Whipple Federal Building so that deputies can be reallocated to other areas.

The Minnesota National Guard’s role is to work in support of local law enforcement and emergency responders, providing additional resources.

https://apnews.com/live/minneapolis-ice-shooting-updates-1-24-2026#0000019b-f176-d06e-affb-f3fed5f90000

[MichMan]

28. Gov. Walz would have to answer that since it was his statement

[leftstreet]

4. I think people mean well

The "noise" is fear, frustration and a normal sense of taking action to protect your citizens and ourselves.

Sorry your health isn't up to getting out there. But glad you're safe

[MineralMan]

5. Most do mean well.

Not all, but most. We're all frustrated. We'd all like to have a solution to this. But, there isn't a simple one that can take care of it all.

The solution is very complex and will take time to occur.

[senseandsensibility]

8. I have no advice to give local officials in MN

That would be ridiculous at this point especially. In fact I watched their press conference and admired the way they handled it. Perfect combination of outrage, appeal to calm, and not getting ahead of the known facts. However, I have two eyes and I know that we can not take the Federal government's word for anything. Even journalists seem to have caught on to this. All I can do is hope that the truth will come out.

[underpants]

9. I really hope things don't get completely out of hand today

[MineralMan]

12. Yeah, me, too.

At this point, people need to listen to the Mayor and Police Chief. They need to disperse and end the conflict.

Come back tomorrow.

They won't do that, though.

[underpants]

14. I'd hope the bitter cold would have an effect but tempers are way too hot

[Sogo]

20. We're just lucky this isn't July,

but it won't be long before it's here. This is what TSF is waiting for, I believe....

[Jim__]

10. First they came for the Minnesotans, but I'm not a Minnesotan ...

[MineralMan]

13. What on earth does that mean in this context?

Sheesh!

[Jim__]

17. It means they're not coming for me. So, I'm not going to speak out.

[MineralMan]

18. You can speak out however you please.

We all can. I hope people think through what they plan to say, though. I've seen all sorts of bullshit things being said that can't occur. That's not useful.

If you say something, try to make sure what you say makes sense in the real world.

[bluestarone]

19. Just want to say one thing.

The Gov. supports people protesting. He's not calling for them to go home. ALL videos are needed and PEACEFUL protesting is fine with him.

[Lars39]

21. You may be a bit out of the Resistance loop, MM.

Minnesotans are giving a masterclass in non-violent resistance.
These people can get you up to date:
Aaron Parnas

Parkrose Permaculture

[MineralMan]

22. Oh, Gosh, Thanks!

Uffda...I'm just a feeble old man...

[crimycarny]

24. There needs to be nationwide protests and massive protests in DC

Minnesota needs help from all Americans. There needs to be massive protests across the entire country. Rachel Maddow mentioned the "3.5% rule". In all of history, no government has withstood a challenge of 3.5% of its population protesting.

This needs to grow beyond 3.5%, be across the entire country, and be sustained. I know I will attend any protest held in my area in California.

And, lastly, Democrats in Congress need to do a hell of a lot more than they are doing now. Imagine what the GOP would be doing right now if this were happening under a Democratic President?

Finally, and this is a fantasy, there needs to be some Republicans in Congress to come out and take a stand against what is happening with ICE. If there are any sane ones left who have a spin.

[ancianita]

25. "And, lastly, Democrats in Congress need to do a hell of a lot more than they are doing now...." Here ya go. Remember,

this situation in Minneapolis is fluid. Don't jump the gun on criticizing Democrats before all the facts are in.

Congressional Democrats sharply criticize DHS chief Kristi Noem
BY MATT BROWN
Congressional Democrats responded with immediate outrage to the killing of another person by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Congressman Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called for ICE to be “abolished” and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached.

“Trump has created a militarized police force accountable only to him and ready to murder people in our streets. These agents need to leave our cities NOW,” the California Democrat wrote on social media.

Congressman Brad Schneider, chair of the moderate New Democratic Coalition in the U.S. House, called for an investigation into the shooting and for federal agents to leave Minnesota.

“Every agent involved in this shooting must be suspended pending a full and independent investigation and ultimately held to account for their actions today,” Schneider said in a statement. “And, Kristi Noem has got to go. She needs to resign or be fired. If not, Congress must act,” the Illinois Democrat continued.

https://apnews.com/live/minneapolis-ice-shooting-updates-1-24-2026#0000019b-f176-d06e-affb-f3fed5f90000

These nine lines do not add up to four paragraphs, so no, no copyright infringement.

[crimycarny]

30. It's not "criticizing Dems" to ask for more action

It's ok to want our Democratic leaders to do more. Maybe that "more" is to be much clearer on what they are already doing?

Writing strongly worded social media posts is not enough unless it is followed up with real action, whether that be in the courts or through other available options. And then message, message, message. Be clear on what is being done and make sure the American people know what they are doing.

[ancianita]

33. MORE? In a fluid situation? Didn't they say already what they intend to do? What more can you ask of them right now?

It's not okay in a fluid situation where the local people have all the power. Instant power to do something doesn't exist for Democrats outside Minneapolis. Just expressing intent right now is all they CAN do. You're not asking. You're telling DC Dems what they should do.

Writing strongly worded social media posts is not enough
unless it is followed up with real action, whether that be in the courts or through other available options. And then message, message, message. Be clear on what is being done and make sure the American people know what they are doing.

When do you think DC Dems should take action? Should they really file with the courts? Do they have evidence and standing?
What are the "other available options?" I'm asking, since the only other option I can think of is to get on cable news and lay out their plans to act. But this is a state thing, isn't it. It's not within the purview of the Democratic caucus in DC to do anything but stand up for the Democratic leadership of MN, which they are.

Lastly, they cannot "be clear on what is being done" until they know from MN what is being done there. Right there.
Until then, "what is being done" can't be told out of DC.

[crimycarny]

38. I'm not referring to the Minnesota Democratic politicians

They are almost in a hostage like situation. They need help from their counterparts as well as "We the People".

And, yes, have the Democratic Party get on every cable news station and lay out their plans to act. Even if it's just options, they are looking at. Show their outrage, what is wrong with that???? Take a lesson from the GOP messaging machine.

And stop referring to my posts as wanting "instant solutions" as that is NOT what I am suggesting.

[ancianita]

26. " There needs to be nationwide protests..." NBA game in Minneapolis between Warriors and Timberwolves postponed after s

shooting

The NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors was postponed on Saturday afternoon following another fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis.

The league announced the decision was made to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after 37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed in a confrontation with officers on a street in a commercial district less than two miles from Target Center, the downtown arena where the Timberwolves play.

The game was moved back by 24 hours, rescheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Timberwolves and Warriors are also scheduled to play on Monday night.

https://apnews.com/live/minneapolis-ice-shooting-updates-1-24-2026#0000019b-f176-d06e-affb-f3fed5f90000

Again. The situation is fluid. An immediate national response from the 3rd largest country on planet Earth, whose states are bigger than many countries, takes time. Don't complain about instant results before a fluid situation is stabilized.

[crimycarny]

32. An NBA game being cancelled isn't a nationwide protest

Where did I say anything about "instant results"? I understand the situation is fluid; I understand it's complicated. I don't think anyone here on DU who wants to take more effective action is expecting a magic wand.

We, the people, need to let our voices be heard nationwide; that is what I meant by nationwide protests. Some have mentioned a nationwide strike. Something big, along these lines, needs to happen.

$$$ is the only thing those in power care about. So how do we hit those in power in the area they care about the most?

[ancianita]

34. It's a message to their national viewership. It's a rational business decision, too. But it's ALSO a real form

of protest by the nationally televised NBA teams and their franchise leadership.

That's not nothing. That's something. Millions of cable viewers and net subscribers and ticket holders notice.

[Klarkashton]

27. The state and local leadership don't know what to do either.

An invasion by a rogue federal govt is impossible to deal with.

[crimycarny]

36. I agree--that's why I'm thinking "We the People" need to do something

We have never seen this sort of government overreach on such a massive level in our lifetimes, at least not that I remember.

Minnesota is almost in a hostage like situation, they can't fight this battle alone. While they are trying to figure out how to respond, the nation needs to rise up. Perhaps a nationwide strike, as some are calling for. After Kent Stat,e there was a nationwide student strike of over 4 million students.

[Klarkashton]

37. A general strike is going to happen.

[angrychair]

29. "Trust the politicians"

Is what we have been doing. What did we get for trusting them?
A bipartisan bill that gives ICE the ability to do everything from raid our homes with no warrant to the ability to shut off our cars any time they want.
Oh and gives them billions of more dollars to keep doing it. Oh and blanket immunity to kill whoever they want and apparently they are using it.

I physically can't do anything either but I sure as hell not going to begrudge anyone that can do something.
Politicians have made it very clear that they have chosen their side, every day all we hear is talk and actions that are the very opposite of what their words, so trust me, they are not on the side of citizens.

[ancianita]

31. MM didn't say that. He said they know more than we do in this situation.

The Governor, the Mayor of MPLS, the Chief of Police of MPLS are on this. They have more information than any of us here do. They have capabilities that nobody on DU has. They are deeply involved in what is going on.

That's what MM said.

[MineralMan]

35. Thanks!

[angrychair]

39. The implications

Are to trust the politicians because they know more than we do.
My counter is that we have waited. We have allowed them the opportunity to do something, anything to help and all that is happening is both parties giving them more money and more power to kill us with impunity.

I'm just a frustrated old man with no money or power shouting into the void but damnit I'm going to keep doing it.

[ancianita]

41. Noted.

[betsuni]

40. The no-knowledge people are so aggressive. I keep thinking, How do YOU know, are you there right now,

have you listened to expert sources, if you think Democrats are doing nothing or refuse to do something then post their schedule and everything they do and think and say -- prove it, explain why blaming Democrats instead of Republicans is so very very important to you right now, who do you think you are, and so on.

It's a bad influence. I wondered if Garrison Keillor had written anything the last week or so about what's happening in Minneapolis but didn't find anything. Found myself starting to bash him, thought: stop, how stupid! it's contagious, that's enough DU for now.

[crimycarny]

42. It's not "blaming the Democrats"--it is asking for more effective communication

I don't fault the Democratic Leadership in Minnesota, they are in an impossible situation where they are literally being taking over my thugs who don't follow the law and are backed by the Government current in power. But I hope the Democratic Party leadership outside of Minnesota is strategizing on a more effective way to fight the GOP disinformation machine. The GOP plays by a completely different set of rules; they are truly from George Orwell's 1984. They lie even when the video shows the opposite of what they are saying.

I read that Governor Walz is going to (or has) deployed the National Guard. I know there are concerns about Trump federalizing them, so I understand the delicate balance there. That being said, I'm wondering if the National Guard can force ICE to play by the rules?

What if that shooting happened while the National Guard was there and saw the whole thing? Would the National Guard dispute what ICE is saying? Would the National Guard do an honest investigation? I don't know, but if they were the "good cops" in this situation, maybe they could stop the "bad cops".