Tensions escalated in Minneapolis this week as federal authorities struggled to contain protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says its officers were responding to threats, but local officials and civil rights advocates warn that such tactics risk infringing on First Amendment rights.
To control the situation, the White House has placed 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division on alert. This unit, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, is highly trained for rapid deployment and Arctic operations. Sources told Good Morning America that the deployment is a precautionary measure rather than a confirmed operation, with the president yet to make a final decision.
A defence official explained, 'We are taking prudent steps to prepare active-duty Army forces. This doesn't mean they will deploy; we are preparing options'. Meanwhile, the Minnesota National Guard remains on state orders under Governor Tim Walz, ready to respond to protests if necessary. Coordination between state and federal forces would be legally complex, given differing chains of command.
What Could Happen?
The arrival of active-duty soldiers could temporarily heighten security and reduce the scale of violent clashes between protesters and federal agents, acting as a visible deterrent. However, such a move also risks escalating tensions, as protesters may view a military presence as intimidation, potentially drawing larger crowds or prompting civil disobedience. Coordination between federal troops and the Minnesota National Guard will be critical to prevent confusion over authority, especially given differing legal mandates.
Civil rights groups may challenge aggressive military actions in court, citing First and Fourth Amendment protections, which could limit how soldiers are allowed to intervene. Meanwhile, public perception of a militarised response could fuel political backlash against the federal administration, influencing upcoming local and national elections. In short, while soldiers could stabilise certain areas temporarily, the deployment may also deepen distrust and prolong unrest.
Trump's Next Action to Contain the Minneapolis Protests
President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows federal troops to intervene in domestic unrest, though he later clarified there was no immediate reason to deploy it. Federal officials continue to monitor Minneapolis closely, preparing multiple options while DHS seeks to justify enforcement tactics.
Why Trump is Second-Guessing His Next Move
Trump is second-guessing his next move as the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm elections approach, with Democrats highly favoured to regain control of the House of Representatives. A Democratic majority could allow them to launch investigations into his administration and even pursue impeachment proceedings.
This looming possibility is likely forcing Trump to reconsider aggressive actions, since any misstep could be used against him if Democrats take charge. Advisers are reportedly debating whether sending troops could energise his supporters or backfire, giving Democrats ammunition to criticise his handling of civil unrest ahead of the elections.
Anti-ICE Protest Update in Minneapolis
For now, to lessen reports of violence, a federal judge in Minnesota has issued a temporary injunction limiting how ICE and other federal agents can act against protesters and observers. The order, delivered by US District Judge Katherine Menendez, prohibits federal immigration officers from detaining or using force against people engaged in lawful, peaceful protest unless there is reasonable suspicion of a crime or interference with enforcement actions. It also bars non‑violent stops of vehicles merely following agents. This comes after accusations of excessive use of pepper spray and other crowd‑control measures against demonstrators.
