Pentagon Orders Troops on Standby for Minneapolis
The Pentagon has ordered approximately 1,500 active-duty U.S. soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to Minneapolis, Minnesota. These troops, assigned to two U.S. Army infantry battalions under the 11th Airborne Division, are based in Alaska and have been placed on prepare-to-deploy orders. The decision comes as Minneapolis experiences widespread protests against the government's deportation drive, according to reports from January 18, 2026.
Escalating Tensions Following Fatal Shooting
Tensions in Minneapolis have significantly risen after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Good on January 7. This incident has fueled ongoing demonstrations and unrest in the city, prompting the Pentagon's precautionary measure. The army units are being readied in case violence in the state escalates, though it remains unclear whether they will ultimately be sent.
Trump Threatens Insurrection Act Invocation
Former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if Minnesota officials do not curb protesters targeting immigration officials. In a Truth Social post on January 15, Trump stated, 'If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT.'
Understanding the Insurrection Act
The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a federal law that grants the U.S. President the authority to deploy the military or federalize National Guard troops within the country to suppress civil disorder, insurrection, or rebellion. This power can be exercised when state authorities are deemed unable or unwilling to do so. The law permits the use of armed forces 'to enforce those laws or suppress the rebellion' if the president determines that 'unlawful obstructions, combinations or assemblages or rebellion' exist against federal authority.
5 Comments
Africa
Support our ICE agents! They are just doing their jobs. Restore law and order.
Bella Ciao
Trump's threats are dangerous. The military shouldn't be used against Americans.
Comandante
The death of Renee Good is tragic and certainly fuels legitimate anger, but the threat of federal military deployment highlights a severe breakdown in civil dialogue. Both sides need to find a way to address grievances without resorting to extreme measures.
Mariposa
This is authoritarian. People have a right to protest injustice.
Muchacha
It's understandable that authorities want to maintain order, especially with property damage concerns, yet the invocation of the Insurrection Act is a serious step. It raises questions about the balance between federal power and civil liberties in a democracy.