Minnesota Braces for Potential Military Involvement Amid Protests

Minnesota is on high alert as the Pentagon puts 1,500 soldiers on standby, ready to step in if needed. This move comes as the state's National Guard is also preparing to assist local authorities. The soldiers, part of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division, could be called upon for crowd control or to support law enforcement, similar to their role in Los Angeles last summer.

White House and Pentagon Statements

The White House and Pentagon have stated that having troops ready doesn't mean they will definitely be deployed. It's all about being prepared for any decision the President might make. Meanwhile, the Minnesota National Guard is already staged and ready to help with traffic control and public safety.

Ongoing Protests in Minneapolis

Protests in Minneapolis have been ongoing, sparked by the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. The protests have drawn large crowds despite the freezing temperatures, with demonstrators expressing outrage over the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Tense Situation and Judicial Response

The situation has been tense, with standoffs between protesters and federal officers. A judge has since issued a preliminary injunction limiting the actions of federal agents, prohibiting them from arresting or detaining peaceful protesters or using certain crowd-control measures.

Clashes Between Pro- and Anti-ICE Demonstrators

The protests have also seen clashes between pro- and anti-ICE demonstrators. Conservative influencer Jake Lang led a small group supporting ICE, but they were outnumbered and chased away by counter-demonstrators. Lang, who is among the January 6 defendants granted clemency by President Trump, had planned to burn a Quran on the steps of City Hall, but it's unclear if this happened.

City of Minneapolis and DHS Response

The city of Minneapolis has responded to the judge's ruling, expecting the federal administration to comply for the safety of all. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its agents, stating they follow training and use the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property.

Legal Actions and Operation Metro Surge

The preliminary injunction is part of a lawsuit filed by activists, separate from another lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities over the federal government's Operation Metro Surge. This operation involves thousands of federal agents targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities.