Pentagon orders 1,500 troops to prepare for possible Minnesota deployment

The Pentagon has ordered around 1,500 active-duty soldiers from Alaska to prepare for a potential deployment to Minnesota amid ongoing protests over federal immigration enforcement. The troops, from two infantry battalions under the 11th Airborne Division, are trained in cold-weather operations.

The move follows President Donald Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act if state officials fail to stop protesters targeting federal immigration agents after a surge of ICE personnel.

Tensions rose after Renee Good, 37, a mother of three, was shot and killed by ICE officer Jonathan Ross on 7 January 2026. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned that deploying troops could worsen the situation, where 3,000 federal agents are already managing mostly peaceful protests.

“That would be a shocking step. We don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe. We are safe,” Frey said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem proposed a “peaceful protest zone” for demonstrators.

ICE operations have targeted Somali, Hmong, and Mexican communities. Videos and eyewitnesses show individuals removed from their homes in vulnerable conditions. One Hmong man was taken wearing only shorts and a blanket, while three Mexican restaurant workers in Willmar were arrested hours after lunch.

Even if the Insurrection Act is not invoked, active-duty forces may be sent to protect federal property or respond to civil unrest. The Pentagon can also deploy National Guard rapid-response units.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal actions as overreach and mobilized the National Guard to support law enforcement and protect peaceful demonstrators’ rights. Thousands continue to exercise First Amendment rights amid ongoing protests.

The Trump administration has cited crime, federal property protection, and alleged misuse of federal welfare funds as justification for sending federal agents. The Justice Department is investigating incidents including disruptions at a St. Paul church connected to ICE.

Tensions remain high as authorities and residents navigate the protests and federal response.