President Donald Trump has ordered active duty U.S. troops to prepare for a potential deployment to Minnesota, signaling a heightened federal response to ongoing protests. The move comes as tensions rise over federal law enforcement actions in Minneapolis, sparking debate between state and federal officials.
The decision to place active-duty troops on standby follows President Trump’s previous threats to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell protests in Minneapolis. These demonstrations erupted in the wake of an incident where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers shot two civilians, one fatally. While Trump initially stated there was no immediate need to invoke the Insurrection Act, the readiness of active-duty forces indicates a potential shift towards a more forceful federal approach.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has strongly opposed the potential deployment of active-duty troops. Appearing on “Meet the Press,” Frey argued that crime rates in Minneapolis are down and that the city does not require additional federal agents to ensure safety. He attributed the unrest to the presence of thousands of ICE agents and other federal personnel stopping individuals and demanding proof of citizenship. Frey asserted that the city is not intimidated and will continue to address the situation peacefully.
The Pentagon confirmed its readiness to execute the Commander-in-Chief’s orders if called upon, with a White House official noting it is standard procedure for the Department of Defense to be prepared for any presidential decision. Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has also voiced criticism of federal troop presence, has activated the Minnesota National Guard to support local law enforcement. However, these National Guard troops have not yet been deployed.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has deployed federal forces amidst protests. Previously, active-duty Marines were sent to Los Angeles during anti-ICE protests, and National Guard members have been deployed to Washington D.C. The current situation in Minneapolis is further complicated by an ongoing investigation by the Justice Department into Frey and Walz, which they allege is politically motivated. The core of the dispute centers on federal immigration enforcement actions and the subsequent public outcry.