Pentagon Preparing to Deploy 1500 Troops to Minnesota Amid Unrest

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy approximately 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division to Minnesota if unrest in the region escalates due to an ongoing immigration operation, reports the Washington Post, citing military officials.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the initiation of the largest immigration operation in Minnesota on Tuesday. According to the Associated Press, she has ordered the deployment of about 2,000 agents and officers to participate in the operation.

Sources indicate that these soldiers are from two infantry battalions of the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division stationed in Alaska. The division specializes in operations in cold weather conditions. According to the newspaper, the soldiers have been ordered to prepare for deployment if unrest intensifies in Minnesota. Officials note that it is still unclear whether these troops will be deployed.

As the White House informed the Washington Post, it is standard practice for the Pentagon to be ready for any potential decisions made by the U.S. president.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that there is currently no need to enforce the Insurrection Act against protesters in Minnesota. The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a federal law that empowers the U.S. president to use armed forces domestically in exceptional circumstances, particularly against insurrections, rebellions, and lawlessness.