As tensions over anti-immigration protests rise, Minnesota officials have taken steps to prepare for trouble. The Minnesota National Guard has been called in by Governor Tim Walz to support local law enforcement and defend nonviolent protestors.
Active-Duty Army Soldiers on Standby
Meanwhile, according to U.S. defense officials, the Pentagon has put some 1,500 active-duty Army soldiers two battalions from Alaska’s 11th Airborne Division on “prepare-to-deploy” status in anticipation of a potential operation In Minnesota. If internal turmoil worsens, these troops would be dispatched.
Background: Protests Following ICE Shooting
The deployment orders follow weeks of demonstrations in the Twin Cities opposing a federal immigration crackdown. Following the shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, the protests intensified. Residents and ICE agents have been at odds more frequently since that shooting. Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, has cautioned that deploying active-duty troops would simply exacerbate the situation. He stated on NBC News that “we don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe” and described any military deployment as “a shocking step” that would “exacerbate tensions.”
Legal Basis: The Insurrection Act
According to defense sources, the Insurrection Act, a 19th century legislation that permits the president to use active-duty military on American soil, is the reason the Alaskan troops are being kept in reserve. The soldiers “are standing by to deploy” to Minnesota in the event that President Trump invokes that provision, an official told the AP news. Trump made a clear threat to do so on Thursday, tweeting that he would use the “1807 law” if Minnesota officials didn’t stop “professional agitators and insurrectionists” from attacking ICE personnel. The president told reporters on Friday that there was “no reason” to apply the statute “right now,” but he added, “If I needed it, I’d use it.” It has a lot of power.
Local Officials Urge Calm
Those threats have been publicly contested by local officials. On social media, Governor Walz urged Trump to “turn the temperature down” and put an end to what he described as a “campaign of retribution” in Minnesota. Additionally, Mayor Frey called for composure, stating that he would not provide federal authorities with “an excuse” to deploy troops into the city. As the situation develops, both officials have urged demonstrators to maintain their composure.