Minnesota National Guard activation during ICE surge cost state $5.2 million

Elliot Hughes, Star Tribune on Apr 2, 2026

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MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota National Guard estimates its activation during Operation Metro Surge cost the state about $5.2 million.

Gov. Tim Walz activated the Guard from Jan. 8 to Feb. 25 “out of an abundance of caution” during the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good.

National Guard members were asked to serve in a supportive role to “protect life, preserve property and support the rights of all Minnesotans to assemble peacefully,” said Scott Rohweder, executive director of the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs.

No further details about the Guard’s costs were available Thursday, April 2, and Rohweder said the final figure is still being tabulated.

The tally comes as the Twin Cities and the rest of the state reckon with the effect of the federal government’s immigration crackdown, which brought 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota at its peak and was met with widespread protests that often prompted a local law enforcement presence.

In a span of five days in January, the Minneapolis Police Department saw overtime costs reach about $3 million, quickly surpassing the $2.3 million in overtime that was budgeted for all of 2026.

In February, Minneapolis estimated the operation cost the city’s economy more than $200 million.

Other cities racked up tens of thousands of dollars in overtime pay for law enforcement.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office quickly overran its overtime budget in January with $1.3 million in OT costs, according to Commissioner Angela Conley. The board passed a resolution last month requiring the sheriff’s office to pause most external hiring if the department reports it is spending beyond its 2026 budget.