Washington DC [US], January 18 (ANI): The US Department of War has ordered approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers to prepare for a potential deployment in Minnesota, The Washington Post reported, citing defense officials.
The soldiers belong to two infantry battalions of the Army’s 11th Airborne Division, based in Alaska and specialized in cold-weather operations. The Army placed the units on prepare-to-deploy orders in case violence in Minnesota escalates, officials said, describing the move as “prudent planning.” It remains unclear whether any troops will actually be sent to the state, the officials told The Washington Post.
The White House said in a statement that it is typical for the Pentagon “to be prepared for any decision the President may or may not make.” A spokesperson for the Defense Department did not respond to requests for comment. The development was earlier reported by ABC News.
The Insurrection Act, a federal law dating to 1807, allows the president to take control of a state’s National Guard forces or deploy active-duty troops domestically in response to a “rebellion.” Invoking the act would be an extraordinary step and mark the first time a commander in chief has done so since former US President George H.W. Bush called on the military during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which killed dozens and caused widespread destruction, according to The Washington Post.
Typically, invoking the Insurrection Act is considered a last resort when law enforcement personnel cannot maintain order during civil unrest.
The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities amid ongoing unrest following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month, CNN reported.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to support state police during another weekend of protests. A military spokesperson said troops were “staged and ready to respond” but “not deployed to city streets at this time,” CNN reported. (ANI)
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