Pentagon Prepares Troops for Possible Deployment to Minnesota
Protests over immigration enforcement raise security concerns
MINNEAPOLIS — The Pentagon has placed around 1,500 active-duty US soldiers on standby for a potential deployment to Minnesota, amid large-scale protests against the federal government’s immigration enforcement campaign, according to US media reports on Sunday.
The Washington Post, citing unnamed defense officials, reported that the Army issued prepare-to-deploy orders in case unrest in the state intensifies. However, officials have not confirmed whether the troops will actually be deployed.
In response, the White House told the newspaper that it is standard practice for the Pentagon to remain ready for any decision the president may consider. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
Trump warns of military action
President Donald Trump warned earlier this week that he could invoke the Insurrection Act if state authorities fail to stop protesters from confronting immigration officials. His remarks followed a sharp increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota.
Tensions escalated further after a federal immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good, a US citizen and mother of three, during an enforcement operation 10 days ago.
Clashes erupt during rival demonstrations
On Saturday, hundreds of anti-ICE protesters gathered near Minneapolis City Hall, calling for ICE and Border Patrol agents to leave the city. The crowd quickly overwhelmed a small group of about 10 far-right activists who had planned to march through a neighbourhood with a large immigrant population.
Protesters pushed the group toward the municipal government building, while some threw water balloons in subzero temperatures. Despite heated exchanges and minor scuffles, Reuters reporters did not witness any serious violence.
Police officers monitored the demonstrations from a distance and did not intervene. Within an hour, the far-right activists withdrew to a nearby hotel as protesters followed, shouting slogans and insults.
Disputed claims and police response
The far-right rally was organised by Jake Lang, an online influencer who received a presidential pardon related to the Jan. 6 US Capitol attack. Lang later claimed on social media platform X that someone stabbed him during a scuffle, but said a protective vest prevented injury. Reuters could not verify his claim.
Minneapolis police said they were aware of Lang’s post but had received no official injury reports. Officers also noted that some individuals appeared injured on camera footage but left before police could identify them.
Political fallout intensifies
The anti-ICE demonstration was organised by the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump. Protesters said they were acting in solidarity with the city’s Somali immigrant community, which Trump has repeatedly referenced while defending the expanded immigration crackdown.
In recent weeks, about 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents have deployed to Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul. The situation has deepened tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department has launched investigations into Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, further intensifying the political dispute.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE