The Washington Post (WP), citing Pentagon officials, reported that approximately 1,500 US Army personnel have been instructed to be prepared to relocate to Minnesota. The reason is that protests against immigration police (ICE) actions are ongoing there.
According to sources, two infantry battalions of the 11th Airborne Division may be involved. These units are based in Alaska and are accustomed to serving in harsh cold conditions. This detail is not without reason: it is said that in northern Minnesota, the daytime temperature is around -15°C, and at night it drops below -20°C. That is, "standing in the cold" is not just a metaphor this time.
A Pentagon spokesperson speaking to the WP called such preparations "wise planning" and emphasized that a final decision has not yet been made. Nevertheless, the publication notes that if these actions are carried out, sending troops to suppress the demonstrations could be observed for the first time since 1992. At that time, the army was recruited during the Los Angeles riots.
The situation is also exacerbated by the political background. On January 15, Donald Trump openly stated through TruthSocial that he could apply the Insurrection Act of 1807. This law opens the way for the use of the army within the country. The report also highlights Trump calling those who took to the streets in Minnesota "rebels."
The incident that triggered the protests resonated strongly with the public: it is said that on January 7, during a raid in Minneapolis, an ICE agent shot and killed US citizen Rene Nicole Hood. After that, demonstrations continue in the city every day. It is noted that the city and state leadership opposed ICE's actions, while Minneapolis Mayor, Democrat Jacob Frey, demanded that agents "leave the city." His statement emphasized that ICE's actions pose a threat to public safety.
However, this discussion is no longer limited to street posters. The US Department of Justice has reportedly launched an investigation into Mayor Frey and Minnesota Governor, Democrat Tim Waltz. They are suspected of colluding to obstruct the activities of the ICE.
Tim Waltz reacted sharply to this situation, stating that using the judicial system against political opponents is an authoritarian practice. He believes that the main question in the investigation into Rene Goode's death - the federal agent who used the weapon - is being ignored: according to the governor, the agent himself is not currently being investigated.
Given the current situation, it seems that the situation in Minnesota is becoming a point where federal immigration policy, internal security, and political struggle converge, and not a "simple local protest" for Washington. If the military is really involved, the consequences of this decision will be felt for a long time not only on the streets of Minneapolis, but also in the entire domestic political discussion of the USA. In short: here we are talking not only about cold weather - the atmosphere itself is freezing.
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