The United States Pentagon has placed around 1,500 active duty soldiers on alert for possible deployment to Minnesota as protests and unrest continue in parts of the state, according to U.S. defense officials.
The troops, drawn from two infantry battalions of the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska, have been issued “Prepare to deploy” orders. This means the soldiers are on standby and could be sent if the situation on the ground worsens, though no final decision on deployment has been taken so far.
The move comes amid ongoing demonstrations, particularly in Minneapolis, following a recent federal immigration enforcement operation that triggered widespread public anger. Protests escalated after a fatal shooting during the operation earlier this month, leading to clashes between demonstrators and federal authorities.
President Donald Trump has warned that he may invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used law that allows the president to deploy active-duty military forces within the United States to restore order if state and local authorities are unable to do so. Trump has accused some protesters of being “Professional agitators” and said federal personnel and property must be protected.
Pentagon officials have described the troop alert as a precautionary step, stressing that it does not automatically mean soldiers will be deployed. The military would only be used if requested or if federal authorities determine that the situation cannot be controlled by civilian law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s state government has activated the National Guard, placing guard units on standby to assist local police and ensure public safety. State officials have said they are closely monitoring the situation and remain in coordination with federal agencies.
The developments have sparked debate in the United States over the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement and the balance of power between federal and state authorities. Civil rights groups have also expressed concern about the potential escalation of force.
As protests continue, the situation in Minnesota remains tense, with federal and state officials weighing their next steps while urging calm and restraint.
