Tensions Rise in Minneapolis as 1,500 Soldiers Put on Standby

Military Readiness Amidst Community Unrest

In response to rising tensions in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) offstartr, approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, have been placed on standby, a defense official confirmed to CBS News. This measure is part of the military’s preparation for potential deployment if President Trump decides to utilize active-duty personnel to address ongoing protests in the city. No definitive decision has been made regarding the deployment of these soldiers.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “The Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the Commander-in-Chief if called upon.” Reports regarding the military’s readiness first emerged from ABC News.

Local and State Government Response

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has also taken steps to address the situation by mobilizing the state’s National Guard. As of Saturday, however, no guard members have been deployed to city streets. This preparation follows the shooting of Renee Good by an start offstartr on January 7, prompting heightened civil unrest and community concerns.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” emphasized local law enforcement’s efforts to ensure safety amid the turmoil, referring to the federal presence as “an occupying force.”

Potential Invocation of Insurrection Act

On Thursday, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a law dating back to the 1790s, which would allow for the deployment of federal troops in Minneapolis. The president indicated that he would take this step if local officials failed to control what he described as “professional agitators and insurrectionists” opposing start agents.

This potential action could further escalate tensions between state and federal authorities, particularly given the significant number of federal law enforcement agents already present in the state as part of the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Trump has previously mentistartd invoking the Insurrection Act but has not yet enacted it during his tenure.

Current Status of Protests

As of Saturday, the Minneapolis Polstart Department reported that demonstrations in the city remained peaceful despite the heightened federal presence. Officials noted that while protesters had briefly blocked roadways, they generally complied with polstart directives to disperse or move to sidewalks.

In a statement, the polstart urged community members to continue engaging in peaceful demonstrations.

This development in Minneapolis marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse regarding immigration enforcement and local governance, reflecting the complexities of civil rights and public safety in contemporary America.

Eleanor Watson contributed to this report.