Recent reports confirm that the Pentagon has placed approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers on "prepare-to-deploy" status as tensions escalate in Minneapolis. This move follows widespread civil unrest triggered by the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and legal observer, by an ICE agent during an immigration operation.

Key Details of the Military Readiness

The units involved are specialized for the current environmental conditions and rapid response:

• 11th Airborne Division ("Arctic Angels"): Roughly 1,000 to 1,500 soldiers from two infantry battalions based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright in Alaska have been placed on standby. Their specialization in cold-weather operations is cited as a reason for their selection during the Minnesota winter.
• 16th Military Police Brigade: Several hundred soldiers from this unit, based at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina, have reportedly received similar orders. As part of the XVIII Airborne Corps, they provide specific capabilities for civil disturbance and law enforcement support.
• The Insurrection Act: President Trump has publicly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to quell protests, which he has characterized as being led by "professional agitators." While he recently stated there isn't a reason to use it "right now," the Pentagon described the orders as "prudent planning" to ensure readiness if the Commander-in-Chief issues the directive.