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Around 1,500 US soldiers on standby for deployment to Minneapolis, officials say

January 18, 2026

Federal officials are considering deploying 1,500 active-duty soldiers from Alaska to Minneapolis as anti-ICE protests continue following the fatal shooting of civilian observer Renee Good by an ICE agent in January. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has strongly opposed additional military presence, characterizing the 3,000 ICE agents already in the city as an occupying force. A federal judge has imposed restrictions on crowd control tactics against peaceful protesters, though Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dismissed the ruling as inconsequential to their operations.

Who is affected

  • The 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright, Alaska
  • Minneapolis residents and city officials, including Mayor Jacob Frey
  • Anti-ICE protesters and demonstrators in Minneapolis
  • Approximately 3,000 ICE agents and border control personnel currently in Minneapolis
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and state National Guard members
  • Peaceful protesters and legal observers in Minneapolis
  • Renee Good (deceased US citizen shot by ICE agent on January 7)

What action is being taken

  • 1,500 soldiers in Alaska are on standby for possible deployment
  • Anti-ICE demonstrations are continuing in Minneapolis
  • The Minnesota National Guard has been mobilized and placed on alert
  • Law enforcement officers have been deployed to Minneapolis
  • Federal agents are conducting ICE operations in Minneapolis with approximately 3,000 agents present

Why it matters

  • This situation represents a significant escalation in federal law enforcement activities within a major US city, with potential deployment of active-duty military personnel under the rarely used Insurrection Act. The conflict between local officials and the federal government over immigration enforcement tactics highlights deep divisions regarding states' rights and federal authority. The death of a US citizen during ICE operations has sparked nationwide protests and raised serious questions about the use of force by federal agents against civilians and legal observers, creating a constitutional crisis around civil liberties and peaceful assembly rights.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC