Soldiers are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis, a US defense official has told CBS News, as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue following the death of US citizen Renee Good.
The official stated that the 1,500 soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, could be mobilized at the discretion of US President Donald Trump if deemed necessary. As of now, a decision regarding their deployment has not yet been made.
City officials in Minnesota have called on protesters to maintain peaceful demonstrations after the recent incident, which involved ICE agents.
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned discussions regarding the military's presence, describing current federal agents as an occupying force in the city.
Trump's comments about potentially invoking the Insurrection Act to allow military personnel to assist in law enforcement duties add another layer of tension among local leaders. Meanwhile, a federal judge has restricted ICE from using aggressive tactics against peaceful protesters, a decision which has been criticized by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who insists current practices remain unchanged.
The situation is further complicated by the mobilization of the National Guard, placed on alert by Governor Tim Walz."
