Military Police on Alert for Potential Minnesota Deployment
The Pentagon has issued orders for several hundred active-duty military police from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to be on alert for potential deployment to Minnesota. This decision is in anticipation of possible action under the Insurrection Act if necessary. This precautionary measure follows a similar directive for 1,500 infantry soldiers from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska and up to 200 Texas National Guard troops.
Background on the Insurrection Act
The Insurrection Act, a law enacted in 1807, allows the President to deploy federal troops to manage civil unrest without local approval. President Trump has mentioned this law as a response to ongoing protests following the tragic death of Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7. However, he later indicated that invoking the act may not be required.
Military Police Role
Military police are trained personnel who serve as guards and law enforcement on military bases. Their duties include:
- Interacting with the public
- Directing traffic
- Controlling crowds
- Supporting local law enforcement
Officials noted that the units currently on alert were designated for domestic contingencies long before the protests sparked by Ms. Good’s death.
Legal Precedence and Recent Cases
In late December, the Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s attempts to deploy active-duty troops to Illinois without local consent. This ruling prompted him to reconsider plans for deploying National Guard troops in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. The Insurrection Act was last invoked during the presidency of George H.W. Bush in 1992 regarding the riots related to the Rodney King case.
Historical Context of the Insurrection Act
President Trump considered using the Insurrection Act in 2020 amid protests following George Floyd’s death. Key military and legal advisors cautioned against deploying active-duty forces, suggesting it would be counterproductive.
As the situation develops, the alert status of military police troops signifies the federal government’s readiness to respond to civil unrest. The preparations reflect ongoing tensions across the nation and highlight the debate over the use of military force in domestic situations.
