Military Preparedness Heightens Amid Minneapolis Protests
In an unexpected move, up to 1,500 U.S. active-duty troops in Alaska may soon be heading to Minnesota. This development, confirmed by an anonymous U.S. official to NPR, follows recent tensions between federal law enforcement and Minneapolis residents regarding immigration enforcement.
President Trump had previously considered invoking the Insurrection Act to handle the ongoing unrest but has since stepped back from this position. The Army’s 11th Airborne Division, known for its expertise in cold-weather operations, is currently on standby. Further information about the division can be found on their official website.
Sean Parnell, the Chief Pentagon spokesman, emphasized the military’s readiness to follow presidential orders, stating that the “Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the Commander-in-Chief if called upon.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has instructed the Minnesota National Guard to remain prepared for potential deployment. This decision aims to support local law enforcement and emergency services, though activation has not yet occurred. The Guard assured in a Facebook post that their focus is on “protecting life, preserving property, and ensuring Minnesotans can safely exercise their First Amendment rights.” They will don yellow reflective vests for clear identification.
This heightened military readiness follows significant unrest in Minneapolis, where the Department of Homeland Security has initiated its largest-ever operation, deploying thousands of federal agents, including those from ICE.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, expressed concern over potential military involvement, stating, “In Minneapolis, crime is dramatically down. We don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe. We are safe.”
Joseph Nunn from the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program highlighted that the Insurrection Act should only be utilized in dire situations, not merely to suppress protests. “It would be a flagrant abuse of the Insurrection Act,” Nunn remarked, “unlike anything that’s ever happened before in the history of the country.”
Image Credit: Octavio Jones/AFP via Getty Images
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
