At a Glance
- 1,500 troops from the 11th Airborne Division have been placed on prepare-to-deploy orders for possible Minnesota mission
- President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act amid escalating anti-ICE protests
- Protests intensified after ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7
- Why it matters: Federal military deployment could override state objections and escalate tensions in Twin Cities
The Pentagon has ordered about 1,500 troops to prepare for potential deployment to Minnesota as anti-ICE protests intensify following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.
Troop Deployment Orders
Two battalions of the 11th Airborne Division received prepare-to-deploy orders, according to two defense officials who spoke with Sarah L. Montgomery. President Trump has publicly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to ongoing unrest, though he told reporters Friday that he doesn’t believe he needs to use it.
The deployment preparation comes as the Justice Department promises federal prosecution for protesters who disrupted a Sunday church service in St. Paul. The protesters targeted Cities Church, where they believe local ICE field office director David Easterwood serves as a pastor.
The Shooting That Sparked Protests
Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by ICE officer Jonathan Ross while sitting in her car on a Minneapolis street on January 7. News Of Philadelphia obtained what appears to be cell phone video footage shot by Ross during the incident.
The shooting triggered weeks of protests across Minnesota. More than 3,000 federal agents were deployed to the city against local leaders’ wishes as part of a White House operation targeting local corruption and immigration enforcement.
Church Protest and Federal Response
Footage from inside Cities Church showed protesters shouting “ICE out!” and chanting Good’s name during Sunday services. David Easterwood is listed as a pastor and director of discipleship on the church’s website, though he didn’t appear to be present during the protest.
The same David Easterwood identified himself as acting field office director for enforcement and removal operations in St. Paul during an October press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the church protest, stating: “Agitators aren’t just targeting our officers. Now they’re targeting churches, too.”
Escalating Federal Involvement
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Thursday that President Trump is considering invoking the Insurrection Act over Minnesota protests. “If anything doesn’t change with Governor Walz, I don’t anticipate that the streets will get any safer or more peaceful,” she said.
The FBI has requested agents nationwide to voluntarily travel to Minnesota to assist federal agencies there. This multi-agency operation shows no signs of slowing, with Attorney General Pam Bondi promising “the full force of federal law” against those intimidating law enforcement and Christians.
Bondi posted on X that she spoke with the church’s pastor, promising that “attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.” She added that the DOJ would “remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes” in Minnesota.
Local Opposition and Community Impact
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the potential troop deployment during a CNN interview Sunday, calling it “not fair, it’s not just, and it’s completely unconstitutional.”
The protests have significantly impacted daily life in the Twin Cities. St. Paul Public Schools announced virtual learning options for students uncomfortable attending school physically.
An ICE spokesperson clarified the agency’s school policy: “As we have repeatedly stated, DHS does not go to schools to arrest children.” However, federal agents may enter schools if a “dangerous or violent criminal illegal alien felon” is present.
Economic Fallout
Safety concerns related to the federal immigration crackdown have forced business closures. The Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures board temporarily suspended operations at two St. Paul hotels:
| Hotel | Status |
|---|---|
| Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront | Closed |
| DoubleTree St. Paul Downtown | Closed |
The company cited “elevated safety and security concerns” in their closure announcement.
Protest Leaders Respond
Nekima Levy Armstrong, who participated in the church protest and leads the Racial Justice Network, told The Associated Press: “When you think about the federal government unleashing barbaric ICE agents upon our community and all the harm that they have caused, to have someone serving as a pastor who oversees these ICE agents, is almost unfathomable to me.”
The church protest was livestreamed on YouTube by former CNN anchor Don Lemon, prompting Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to respond: “A house of worship is not a public forum for your protest! It is a space protected from exactly such acts by federal criminal and civil laws! Nor does the First Amendment protect your pseudo journalism of disrupting a prayer service. You are on notice!”
Key Takeaways
- 1,500 troops stand ready for possible Minnesota deployment as federal authorities prepare for escalation
- The Insurrection Act remains under consideration despite Trump’s comments suggesting he may not need it
- Local businesses and schools are adapting to ongoing protests and federal presence
- The Justice Department is pursuing federal charges against church protesters while maintaining pressure on local communities
