The Pentagon is mobilizing 1,500 troops from Alaska for a possible cold-weather intervention: “Prudent planning”

Two battalions from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division, stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota. The move would come only if President Donald Trump were to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to the unrest unfolding in the state.

Preparing for the worst case scenario

Military units across the country have been told to prepare for a potential rapid-response mission — though officials emphasize there’s no clear indication of when, or even whether, such an order might come. According to Sean Parnell, spokesperson for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon remains ready to carry out any directive from the Commander in Chief.

Officials describe the effort as “prudent planning,” part of the military’s routine readiness exercises. This time, however, the focus is domestic rather than overseas. With tensions rising around immigration-related protests, Army leadership has instructed units to be prepared to deploy if violence in Minnesota escalates.

Frey has his say

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Sunday that the federal government’s decision to increase immigration enforcement personnel — along with the possibility of sending active‑duty troops — appears aimed at “provoking” demonstrators. Speaking to CNN, he warned that the city would not give Washington “an excuse to do what they’re clearly trying to do right now, which is send 1,500 soldiers.” Frey added, “I never imagined we’d be facing an invasion from our own federal government.”

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