Minnesota National Guard Hands Out Donuts and Coffee to Anti-ICE Protesters [WATCH]

Members of the Minnesota National Guard were recorded handing out coffee and donuts to anti-ICE protesters in St. Paul on Sunday, as tensions continue to rise in the Twin Cities following recent fatal encounters between federal immigration officers and protesters, as reported by Fox News.

Video footage circulating online showed National Guard members wearing yellow reflective vests distributing donuts and hot drinks from the back of a vehicle to demonstrators opposed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

One Guard member told WCCO-TV that the action was intended as a “demonstration of safety and security.”

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

Earlier this month, the Minnesota National Guard posted on X that if Guard troops were deployed to the Twin Cities, they would wear reflective vests “to help distinguish them from other agencies in similar uniforms.”

The footage emerged one day after a Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex J. Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, during what federal officials described as a Department of Homeland Security operation in south Minneapolis.

According to initial federal statements, Pretti allegedly confronted agents with a handgun and resisted efforts to disarm him.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

However, bystander video and eyewitness accounts that later circulated online raised questions about the official account, including whether Pretti was actively threatening officers at the time he was shot.

Authorities have said the shooting remains under investigation.

Pretti’s death followed another fatal incident earlier this month involving federal immigration enforcement.

Renee Nicole Good, also 37, was shot and killed by an ICE officer after she allegedly blocked an enforcement operation in Minneapolis and drove her vehicle toward the officer.

That shooting also sparked protests and intensified political pressure surrounding federal immigration activity in Minnesota.

In the aftermath of Good’s death, Democratic officials, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, publicly encouraged anti-ICE protesters to assemble.

Federal prosecutors subsequently opened a probe into whether those actions improperly impeded federal law enforcement operations.

Following Pretti’s death, Walz escalated his criticism of federal authorities.

On Sunday, the governor called on President Donald Trump to withdraw what Walz described as “his 3,000 untrained agents” from Minnesota “before they kill another American in the street.”

President Trump responded to questions about the latest shooting in comments to The Wall Street Journal, confirming that his administration is “reviewing everything” related to the incident.

Federal officials have maintained that ICE and Border Patrol operations in the Twin Cities are focused on targeted enforcement and public safety, while also warning that organized interference with arrests has increased risks for both officers and civilians.

The National Guard has not said whether the distribution of food and drinks to protesters represents a broader shift in posture or engagement strategy.

The episode has drawn attention as Minnesota remains a focal point of national debate over immigration enforcement, public order, and the role of state and local officials during federal operations.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.