The Pentagon has placed approximately 1,500 active-duty U.S. Army soldiers on prepare-to-deploy status amid ongoing unrest and protests in Minnesota, according to multiple U.S. defense officials.
The soldiers are drawn from two infantry battalions assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, a cold-weather–specialized formation based in Alaska. Military officials emphasized that being placed on standby does not mean a deployment is imminent or guaranteed, but rather reflects contingency planning should federal authorities determine additional forces are needed.
A senior administration source told reporters that military planners have prepared multiple options for Donald Trump, who retains the authority to deploy active-duty forces domestically under limited circumstances.
“It is typical for the Pentagon to be prepared for any decision the President may or may not make,” the White House said in a statement.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell echoed that position, stating, “The Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the Commander-in-Chief if called upon.”
National Guard staged as protests continue
At the state level, the Minnesota National Guard has been mobilized in a support posture. State officials said Guard members are not currently deployed to city streets but remain staged and ready to assist local authorities if needed.
According to Guard leadership, potential missions would focus on traffic control, protection of life and property, and support to civil authorities — not direct law enforcement actions.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the Guard’s posture is intended to help maintain public safety while preserving the right to peaceful assembly as demonstrations continue in Minneapolis and surrounding areas.
Federal forces already surged into Twin Cities
The standby order comes after a significant federal law enforcement surge into the Twin Cities region. Thousands of federal personnel — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Border Patrol officers, and a limited number of FBI agents — have been deployed as part of a federal immigration enforcement operation.
The increased presence has coincided with protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman who was killed earlier this month during an encounter with federal immigration agents. The incident sparked demonstrations across Minneapolis, some of which escalated into tense standoffs between protesters and federal officers.
Federal officials say additional personnel were deployed to protect agents conducting arrests and to secure federal facilities.
Active-duty role remains undefined
Defense officials have not specified what role active-duty soldiers would perform if deployed. Past domestic missions have included protecting federal property, logistical support, and limited crowd-control assistance under strict legal authorities.
The president has previously referenced the Insurrection Act — a centuries-old statute that allows the use of federal troops in domestic disturbances — though no formal invocation has been announced. Legal experts note that active-duty forces can still be deployed for certain missions without invoking the Act, such as safeguarding federal buildings and personnel.
Local leaders push back on federal response
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly criticized the standby order, arguing that the presence of active-duty troops would further inflame tensions. Other state and local officials have expressed similar concerns, while federal authorities maintain the deployments are necessary to enforce federal law and protect government personnel.
Meanwhile, a federal judge recently issued a preliminary injunction limiting certain crowd-control actions by federal agents, including restrictions on detaining peaceful protesters and stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion. The ruling applies to federal personnel operating under the current enforcement operation in Minnesota.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that agents will continue enforcement activities while complying with applicable court orders.
Situation remains fluid
As of Sunday evening, no active-duty troops have been deployed from Alaska, and Pentagon officials stress that the prepare-to-deploy order reflects planning rather than execution. Protests in Minneapolis continued through the weekend, though crowds appeared smaller as temperatures dropped.
Military and civilian authorities say decisions regarding further deployments will depend on conditions on the ground, legal considerations, and directives from the White House.
For now, the soldiers remain on standby — a reminder that, in moments of domestic instability, the military is often positioned just behind the line between preparation and action.
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