Minneapolis, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — The Pentagon put about 1,500 soldiers in Alaska on standby. U.S. officials told Reuters the order came Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The soldiers could be sent to Minnesota if unrest grows. Officials said the units received “prepare-to-deploy” orders. It is not clear if they will deploy.
Pentagon standby order targets possible Minnesota mission
The alert comes during large protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The protests focus on a federal deportation drive. The Trump administration has also surged immigration agents into the area.
Reuters reported that about 3,000 immigration and border officers were sent in. The administration says the goal is public safety. Critics call it federal overreach.
Learn more about the Insurrection Act rules in federal law.
The shooting of Renee Nicole Good fuels tension
Tension rose after the death of Renee Nicole Good. She was 37 and a mother of three. She was shot and killed during an ICE operation on January 7.
Officials have not released the involved officer’s name in public briefings. Protests grew after the shooting. ABC News reported new video details in recent days.
Read the ABC News timeline here: Minneapolis ICE shooting timeline.
City and state leaders warn troops could raise heat
President Donald Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act. He said troops could be sent if officials do not stop attacks on immigration staff.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the National Guard. State officials say the Guard can support public safety if needed. They also say peaceful protest is protected.
See a report citing the state safety update: Minnesota National Guard mobilization report.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned a troop deployment could worsen tension. He said the city does not need more federal forces. He said Minneapolis remains safe.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged steps to reduce conflict. She suggested setting up a designated protest area in the city.
Who the Alaska troops are
Officials said the standby troops are trained for cold-weather work. They serve under the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska.
More on the unit here: 11th Airborne Division official site.
For now, no deployment order has been announced. Officials say the situation could change quickly. Local leaders urge calm on all sides.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.