Defense Secretary Approves Fort Snelling to House Agents and Munitions for Twin Cities Operations
Minneapolis, Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally authorized the Department of Homeland Security’s request to utilize Fort Snelling as a logistical base for ongoing immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Confirmed via internal correspondence on January 26, 2026, this approval grants U.S. Customs and Border Protection access to the reserve center to house approximately 500 to 800 personnel, alongside tactical vehicles, aircraft, and munitions. This expansion of federal infrastructure within the interior United States occurs amidst “Operation Metro Surge,” a controversial campaign marked by the recent fatal shootings of two citizens and widespread civil unrest. While the administration reportedly considers de-escalation following discussions with Governor Tim Walz, the operational fortification of this historic base signals a continued, entrenched federal capability in the Twin Cities.
Logistical Escalation in a Tense Climate
This strategic expansion of federal infrastructure arrives at a volatile moment for the Twin Cities, following the death of Alex Pretti on Saturday, January 24—the third fatality linked to federal enforcement this month [3]. While the immediate fallout of that incident was covered in our previous report, “Minneapolis Braces for Unrest Following Third Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents” [https://wsnext.com/59f882a-Immigration-enforcement-Civil-unrest/], the authorization of Fort Snelling on Monday, January 26, marks a shift from temporary surge tactics to a sustained operational footing. Internal correspondence obtained by the Chronicle reveals that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) specifically requested the site to ensure “efficient and secure command, control, and coordination” of its assets, citing the need to advance national security objectives [1]. The approval grants U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) access to the U.S. Army Reserve center to house a fleet of 300 to 500 vehicles and ten storage trailers, alongside a “ready room” for approximately 500 to 800 personnel [1]. Crucially, the facility will also provide hangar space for five air assets and access to a munitions magazine, allowing for the on-site storage of tactical weaponry [1][2].
Mixed Signals from Washington
The fortification of the Fort Snelling base—a site historically fraught with tension due to its use as an imprisonment camp for Native Americans in the 1800s [1]—presents a stark contrast to simultaneous diplomatic overtures between state and federal leaders. On Monday, January 26, President Trump spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and reportedly agreed to “consider” reducing the number of federal agents in the state [1][2]. This potential de-escalation aligns with reports that U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino and some agents were preparing to depart Minneapolis [1]. However, these withdrawals appear to be counterbalanced by the President’s decision on the same day to dispatch Tom Homan, a hardline official, to assume direct control over federal immigration operations in the city [1][2]. This dual approach—negotiating a reduction in force while simultaneously establishing a robust logistical hub and appointing new leadership—suggests a reorganization of federal capabilities rather than a retreat.
Political Fallout and Civil Response
Beyond the physical deployment, the conflict has widened into a sharp political and legal confrontation. On January 24, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi demanded that Minnesota repeal its sanctuary policies and surrender extensive state records, including voter rolls and SNAP benefits data [3]. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon flatly rejected the demand on Monday, characterizing it as an “outrageous attempt to coerce Minnesota into giving the federal government private data” [3]. The deepening crisis has also fractured the local political landscape; on January 26, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Mandel suspended his campaign, stating he could not support the “national Republicans’ stated retribution” against the citizens of his state [3]. Meanwhile, the state’s business community has intervened, with over 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies signing an open letter on Sunday calling for an “immediate deescalation of tensions” [3].
Summary
As of Tuesday, January 27, the situation in Minneapolis remains a complex standoff defined by contradictory developments. While the administration signals a willingness to discuss troop reductions with Governor Walz, the approval of Fort Snelling as a command center and the deployment of Tom Homan indicate a long-term entrenchment of federal power. With approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers having been placed on standby just days prior [2], and legal arguments regarding the constitutionality of “Operation Metro Surge” proceeding in federal court [3], the infrastructure for a prolonged engagement is now firmly in place.