Approximately 1,500 active duty Army paratroopers are on alert for potential deployment to Minnesota, according to two defense officials. The move comes amid heightened tensions following recent incidents involving federal law enforcement and ongoing protests.
Preparing for Potential Deployment
The soldiers are members of the 11th Airborne Division, stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. This division is recognized as a premier infantry formation within the U.S. Army and plays a key role in maintaining a military presence in the Pacific region, specifically to deter China. The 11th Airborne is also the military’s leading unit specializing in Arctic warfare.
As of Friday, President Trump had not made a final decision regarding the deployment of two battalions. The White House has not yet issued a comment in response to the reports.
Currently, the Minnesota National Guard remains on state orders under the authority of Governor Tim Walz. Deploying both federal active-duty troops and state-activated National Guard units simultaneously, operating under different legal authorities, would be an unusual circumstance. The National Guard also has the option of being federalized and placed under presidential command.
President Trump on Thursday had threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the U.S. military, citing escalating tensions following a second shooting involving a federal officer during immigration operations. He later indicated to reporters that invoking the Act was not currently necessary.
The 11th Airborne troops were recalled to base on Friday to serve as a “quick reaction force,” meaning they are prepared for rapid deployment if ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the 11th Airborne Division?
The 11th Airborne Division is one of the Army’s premier infantry formations, positioned in the Pacific to deter China and serving as the military’s leading formation for Arctic warfare.
Has a decision been made to deploy troops to Minnesota?
As of Friday, no final decision had been made by the president regarding the deployment of the two battalions. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What is the difference between the National Guard and active-duty Army?
The Minnesota National Guard is currently operating under state orders from Governor Tim Walz, while active-duty troops would operate under federal authority if deployed. National Guard units can also be federalized and placed under the president’s command.
Given the current state of alert, it remains to be seen whether the 11th Airborne Division will ultimately be deployed to Minnesota, and what role they might play if they are.
