The Pentagon has taken significant steps amid escalating tensions regarding an immigration crackdown, with reports indicating that 1,500 U.S. soldiers are on standby for potential deployment to an unrest-affected state. This development follows President Donald Trump’s recent threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, a law permitting military involvement during domestic upheaval, although he later suggested that immediate action was not necessary.
According to a report by ABC, which cited anonymous defense officials, the active-duty Army paratroopers stationed in Alaska have been put on alert. However, it remains unclear whether the president has finalized plans for their deployment. Both the Pentagon and the White House have refrained from providing immediate comments on this unfolding situation.
The Insurrection Act has not been invoked in the United States for over three decades, and any military action is likely to exacerbate tensions between federal authorities and local officials, particularly in Minnesota. Protests have intensified in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal agent earlier this month, prompting confrontations between demonstrators and immigration officers.
In response to the growing unrest, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that the state’s National Guard would be mobilized to support local law enforcement and emergency management. As the governor, he holds the authority to deploy the state’s military reserves during emergencies.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been vocal in his opposition to the increase in federal agents in the city, describing them as an “occupying force” that has significantly outnumbered the city police. Frey’s comments were made during an interview where he expressed concern over the potential deployment of additional troops, emphasizing that the actions of federal agents were fueling fear among local communities, particularly among Latino and Somali residents.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, meanwhile, asserted that the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration would persist until all perceived threats are eradicated and offenders deported.
This situation echoes past deployments, such as the 700 U.S. Marines sent to Los Angeles during protests over immigration policies. Although President Trump at that time also suggested utilizing the Insurrection Act, the resulting military presence was limited to protecting federal properties rather than direct engagement with protest activities.
As the unrest continues and the federal response evolves, the focus remains on both the local government’s strategies and the implications of a military presence in civilian areas.
