Pentagon Puts Troops On Alert As Minnesota Protests Grow
January 18, 2026
6:41 am
The Pentagon has placed about 1,500 active duty US Army soldiers on standby for a possible deployment to Minnesota as protests linked to the federal deportation drive continue to intensify, according to US media reports on Sunday.
Defense officials told the Washington Post that the units were issued prepare to deploy orders in case unrest in the state escalates. It remains unclear whether the troops will ultimately be sent.
The White House said the move reflects routine planning rather than a final decision. In a statement to the Post, it said the Pentagon is typically prepared “for any decision the …
