Tension in Minnesota: Troops Standby Amid Immigration Protests

The Pentagon ordered 1,500 soldiers to prepare for deployment to Minnesota amid rising tensions due to immigration protests. President Trump threatened to use the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if state officials can't control the protests. Local leaders fear military involvement may escalate tensions.

About 1,500 soldiers in Alaska have been placed on standby for potential deployment to Minnesota to manage protests against a government deportation drive, according to U.S. officials. The Pentagon's orders come amid fears of rising violence in the state.

President Donald Trump has threatened the use of the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces, blaming local officials for failing to halt protests targeting immigration authorities. The situation intensified when Minneapolis saw confrontations between residents and federal officers after an ICE incident.

Authorities worry that deploying troops may instead fuel tensions. Local leaders and activists accuse the federal government of overreach and targeting immigrant communities, which had initially sparked the demonstrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)