The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered roughly 1,500 active‑duty soldiers to be prepared for possible deployment to Minnesota amid escalating unrest in the state following a controversial federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The troops are on standby as protests against the federal response intensify, Reuters reports.
The Pentagon move comes after President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials do not curb demonstrators attacking federal immigration agents, particularly those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump has warned that he may use the act to send military forces to restore order if the unrest continues.
Tensions erupted after a federal ICE agent fatally shot a woman during a Minnesota operation, an incident that has sparked nationwide protests. Witnesses say the woman was acting as a legal observer and was trying to drive away from the scene when she was shot.
Local protests have drawn large crowds and seen clashes with far‑right groups as well as calls to remove ICE from the area, intensifying political and community pressures in Minneapolis.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for alleged obstruction of federal immigration enforcement, adding to the complex legal and political conflict between state and federal authorities.
Officials in Minnesota, including the governor and mayor, have strongly criticized the federal response and deployment, arguing that the presence of ICE and potential military forces amounts to an overreach.
The situation remains fluid, with national protests planned and ongoing debate over the appropriate use of federal power in addressing domestic unrest related to immigration enforcement.
MORE TOPICS:
HILANDAR TURNED WHITE: Snow delighted Serbian monks after almost a decade! (PHOTO)
Source: N1, Foto: Reuters