Recently, the U.S. Army has put several dozen active-duty soldiers on standby for potential deployment to Minneapolis. This decision comes amid ongoing protests related to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
A defense official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that members of a military police brigade from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were ordered to be ready to deploy if needed. This action is routine and doesn’t guarantee that troops will actually be sent.
Additionally, around 1,500 soldiers from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska are also on similar standby orders. There has been some chatter about President Trump potentially invoking the Insurrection Act, a law from the 19th century that allows the use of active-duty troops for law enforcement purposes. This threat emerged following protests triggered by the death of resident Renee Good during an immigration enforcement operation on January 7.
However, Trump later softened this stance, stating he didn’t see a need to use the act “right now.” He described this power as “very powerful” and indicated that he would use it if necessary.
In response to the situation, Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz has urged Trump not to send more troops. He invited the president to visit Minnesota instead, aiming to foster calm and to underscore the importance of community trust and respect in public safety.
Historically, Trump’s administration has seen a surge in military presence in American cities, often without local approval. For example, last June, federalized National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles in response to protests against immigration arrests. This deployment included about 4,000 Guard members and 700 active-duty Marines. Trump’s actions have faced several legal challenges, leading him to pause some initiatives in December.
Recent surveys suggest a divide in public opinion on the use of military personnel in civilian matters. A 2022 Pew Research study found that 54% of Americans felt uncomfortable about military involvement in domestic law enforcement, reflecting growing concerns over civil liberties.
As the situation in Minneapolis evolves, it highlights the delicate balance between security and civil rights in the U.S. The role of protests in shaping policy and how the government responds remains a topic of intense discussion, especially on social media platforms where both support and opposition are voiced passionately.
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Donald Trump, General news, Minneapolis, North Carolina, Immigration, NC State Wire, MN State Wire, Minnesota, Send to Apple News, AP Top News, Associated Press, United States government, U.S. Army, Protests and demonstrations, Tim Walz, Political and civil unrest, Washington news, Renee Good, Politics
