Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered his state's National Guard members home early from Washington, D.C., after they were observed conducting patrols beyond their assigned America 250 duties.
The decision follows reports that Minnesota troops, sent with strict limits for July 4th events, appeared in residential neighborhoods on presence patrols. Gov. Walz's office confirmed the early withdrawal after those activities came to light.
Democratic-led states including Kentucky, Maryland and Hawaii have also signaled they will end their deployments soon. Maryland troops are set to return at the end of the week, while Hawaii arrived only recently and faces possible extension up to 90 days.
Pressure is mounting on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whose 162 troops remain scheduled through Aug. 31. A letter from the D.C. City Council and advocacy groups urges her to recall the unit over concerns of mission creep and militarization.
The overall deployment exceeds 5,100 troops and costs an estimated $3 million daily. All state Guard members have been deputized as special police by the U.S. Marshals Service.
