1,500 Soldiers Prepared for Possible Deployment to Minneapolis Amid Protests

Sun Jan 18 2026 12:09:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to ongoing protests over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, about 1,500 soldiers are on standby in Alaska for deployment to Minneapolis, as local officials call for peaceful demonstrations.

As protests against ICE continue in Minneapolis, approximately 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division are on standby for potential deployment. Minnesota officials urge for orderly demonstrations following the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. The state's National Guard has been mobilized, and a federal judge has placed limitations on ICE's crowd control measures.

Soldiers are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis, a US defense official has informed CBS News, the BBC's US partner.

The official stated that the 1,500 soldiers, currently based in Alaska, could be deployed by the US president if he opts to use active duty military personnel in response to anti-ICE demonstrations occurring in the city.

As of now, no decision has been made regarding the deployment of these troops from their base in Alaska.

In light of recent events, Minnesota officials have urged protesters to maintain a peaceful and orderly demeanor during demonstrations after an ICE agent fatally shot US citizen Renee Good earlier this month.

These soldiers belong to the 11th Airborne Division located at Fort Wainwright, as confirmed by officials. This readiness comes after a federal judge issued an order restricting the crowd control tactics ICE agents can utilize against peaceful and unobstructive protesters in Minneapolis.

Judge Katherine Menendez ruled that federal agents cannot arrest or use pepper spray on peaceful demonstrations, including those just observing ICE operations.

Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the state's National Guard and has placed them on alert, alongside additional law enforcement presence in Minneapolis ahead of ongoing anti-ICE protests.

The protests have intensified due to broader actions by ICE agents in the city, particularly following the events of January 7, when Renee Good was present as a legal observer during an ICE operation.

City leaders noted that Good was there to monitor ICE activities when she was shot. In a contrasting reaction, the Trump administration labeled her as a domestic terrorist.\p>

Good's tragic death has fueled nationwide protests, with demonstrators holding signs advocating for justice.