Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Pentagon has placed roughly 1,500 active-duty U.S. Army soldiers on prepare-to-deploy orders for a potential deployment to Minnesota, according to a report cited by The Washington Post and confirmed by Reuters. The move comes amid ongoing protests tied to federal immigration enforcement actions and the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month.
The troops identified for possible deployment consist of two infantry battalions assigned to the Army’s 11th Airborne Division, which is based in Alaska. Defense officials emphasized that the order does not mean the soldiers will be deployed, only that they are being positioned to respond quickly if directed. As of Sunday, no final decision had been made on whether the troops would be sent to Minnesota.
Tensions in Minneapolis have remained high following the Jan. 7 shooting, with demonstrations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and broader federal immigration policy. Minnesota Army National Guard troops were already posted in Minneapolis on Jan. 17 as protests continued near areas affected by deportation-related activity.
President Donald Trump has warned that he could invoke the Insurrection Act if protests escalate or interfere with federal operations. The law allows the president to deploy military forces domestically in response to unrest or rebellion. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment, and officials have not clarified what specific conditions would trigger deployment of the active-duty troops.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
