Pentagon Puts 1,500 Troops on Standby for Possible Minnesota Deployment

The Pentagon has placed about 1,500 active-duty U.S. Army soldiers on standby for a possible deployment to Minnesota amid escalating protests tied to federal immigration enforcement efforts. The troops, drawn from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska, have been given “prepare-to-deploy” orders but have not been sent into the state. Officials say the move is a precaution and reflects readiness planning rather than an active mission. The potential deployment follows protests and unrest in Minneapolis, where federal immigration operations have sparked demonstrations and tensions with local leaders. No decision has been made to deploy the troops, and authorities continue to monitor the situation.