U.S. News
Pentagon Puts Troops on Standby Amid Minnesota Unrest
Clear Facts
- The Pentagon has reportedly ordered around 1,500 active-duty troops to prepare for possible deployment to Minnesota as protests over immigration enforcement persist.
- Two infantry battalions from the 11th Airborne Division are on standby, according to U.S. defense officials, with deployment dependent on further escalation of violence.
- President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if state leaders fail to contain the unrest targeting federal agents.
Concerns over growing demonstrations in Minneapolis prompted Pentagon action, with units specializing in cold-weather conditions placed on alert.
Officials said these soldiers would deploy if the unrest significantly increases, with no confirmation yet of their actual movement.
The White House described the Pentagon’s readiness as standard protocol for any presidential decision, emphasizing routine preparedness.
Defense officials reportedly called this move “prudent planning.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “The Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the Commander-in-Chief if called upon.”
President Trump announced he may invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials do not curb violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“If I needed it, I’d use it,” Trump said. “It’s very powerful.”
Recent weeks have seen almost 3,000 federal agents deployed in Minneapolis and St. Paul, with potential for more troops to be sent under federal authority to protect government property without invoking the Insurrection Act.
The Justice Department is investigating whether Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have obstructed federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Both officials deny any wrongdoing.
Mayor Frey called the troop preparations unconstitutional and said, “It’s ridiculous, but we will not be intimidated by the actions of this federal government.”
Protests escalated after an ICE agent fatally shot a 37-year-old woman on January 7, followed by another incident on January 14 where a federal officer injured a Venezuelan man during an arrest attempt.
The Insurrection Act was last used in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots.
Stay tuned as Crystal Clear News brings updates on this developing situation.
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