Pentagon orders 1,500 soldiers to prepare for possible deployment in Minnesota amid unrest

Amid continuing unrest and sharp political exchanges, the Pentagon has instructed about 1,500 active-duty soldiers to prepare for a potential deployment to Minnesota. The move followed public warnings by President Donald Trump that he could invoke the Insurrection Act, according to defence officials cited by The Washington Post late Saturday.

The soldiers are drawn from two infantry battalions within the Army’s 11th Airborne Division. The unit is based in Alaska and is trained for cold-weather operations.

Officials said the battalions were placed on prepare-to-deploy orders in case violence in Minnesota escalates. They described the step as “prudent planning” and said it remains unclear whether any troops will ultimately be sent. Several officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of military planning.

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White House calls move routine planning

The White House said the Pentagon’s actions were standard.

In a statement, it said it is typical for the Defence Department “to be prepared for any decision the President may or may not make.”

Insurrection Act remains a last-resort option

The Insurrection Act, passed in 1807, allows a president to take control of a state’s National Guard or deploy active-duty troops within the country to respond to a “rebellion”.

Its use would be rare. The last time a president invoked it was in 1992, when President George Bush deployed troops during the Los Angeles riots that killed dozens of people and caused widespread damage.

The law is generally seen as a last resort when law enforcement agencies are unable to restore order during civil unrest.

Trump issues warning, then softens tone

Trump threatened on Thursday to invoke the act, saying on social media that unless Minnesota officials stopped protesters from “attacking” Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, he would “institute the INSURRECTION ACT” and “quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State.”

On Friday, he appeared to temper his language, saying there was no need to invoke the law “right now.” He added, “If I needed it, I’d use it.”

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Pressure on Minnesota leadership

The threats come as the Trump administration has increased pressure on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other Democratic leaders in the state. The Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey impeded immigration enforcement.

Walz, Frey and other Democrats have said the move amounts to authoritarianism and is intended to silence critics of the administration’s policies.

Both Walz and Frey have urged protesters to remain peaceful. On Saturday, Walz mobilised the Minnesota National Guard to support local authorities, though the force has not yet been deployed.

Operation Metro Surge and recent violence

Minnesota has drawn sustained attention from the administration since at least December, when the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Metro Surge. The multi-week immigration crackdown has resulted in hundreds of arrests and repeated clashes between federal agents and protesters.

This month, ICE agents shot two people in the state. Renee Good, an American citizen, was killed. A Venezuelan migrant, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, was wounded during an attempted detention.