US Defense Department’s Pentagon has ordered nearly 1,500 active-duty troops stationed in Alaska to prepare for possible deployment as part of the ongoing immigration protests in the United States. According to US media reports, this move comes in the context of the ongoing protests against immigration raids in Minnesota, particularly in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
As per a report from a foreign news agency, two infantry battalions from the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division have been instructed to “stand ready.” These units are trained to operate in harsh weather conditions and Arctic environments. Intelligence reports leaked recently suggest that Iranian nuclear facilities have not been completely destroyed by US attacks, and the country’s nuclear program has been set back a few months.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the troop deployment while declining to elaborate, citing the orders of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Meanwhile, protests against the presence of nearly 3,000 federal immigration and border control agents in Minneapolis have been ongoing.
Reports suggest that the protests began after a local woman, Renee Niskanen, was fatally shot during a raid, and several others were injured. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that a Nicaraguan citizen who was arrested in Minneapolis died in custody in Texas. Additionally, a Venezuelan citizen was reportedly shot in the leg and wounded, while two young children were severely affected by tear gas used during the protests.
According to ICE Director Ron Vitiello, over 2,500 people have been arrested since the operation began in Minnesota. Human rights groups have expressed concern over inhumane conditions at detention centers.
US President Donald Trump has warned of an “invasion” and threatened to implement the “Insurrection Act” amid the ongoing protests, although he later backtracked on the statement. The US Department of State has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns over the burden on the US taxpayer.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has likened federal agents to an “occupying force” and described the actions as unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the National Guard, although they have not been deployed to the streets. US Attorney General Kristjen Nielsen has stated that the immigration crackdown will continue until all “dangerous individuals” are apprehended and deported.
In a separate development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he has accepted an invitation to meet with US President Donald Trump, while Iran has warned against any attempts to target Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying that it would have serious consequences.
In other news, Germany has announced plans to boost its military in response to growing threats from Russia and a decrease in trust in the US. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has stated that economic integration is being used as a pressure tactic, and that the UK will not be at the negotiating table, but will face the consequences of any decisions made.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that the US economy is the strongest it has ever been, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. His plane, Air Force One, was forced to return to Washington due to a minor electrical issue.
