The official, who remained unnamed, clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the deployment of the soldiers from Alaska. The troops are part of the 11th Airborne Division based at Fort Wainwright. The potential deployment comes as Minnesota officials have urged protesters to maintain order and peace during demonstrations following the shooting death of U.S. citizen Renee Good earlier this month by an ICE agent.

Last week, Trump raised the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, a rarely used law that permits the deployment of active-duty military personnel for law enforcement purposes within the United States. This law has historically been invoked in situations where state authorities are unable to maintain order.

The situation also unfolds against the backdrop of a recent order issued by a U.S. federal judge. Judge Katherine Menen placed limitations on the crowd control tactics that ICE agents can employ against "peaceful and unobstructive" protesters in Minneapolis. This order reflects ongoing legal scrutiny of law enforcement actions during demonstrations.

The potential deployment highlights the tension between federal authority and local control in managing civil unrest. The use of active-duty military for domestic law enforcement is a controversial issue, raising concerns about the militarization of policing and the potential for escalation of conflicts. The Insurrection Act, while legally permissible under certain circumstances, is often viewed as a last resort due to its implications for civil liberties and the role of the military in a democratic society. The situation remains fluid, with the decision to deploy the soldiers resting with the President. Further developments are expected as demonstrations continue and discussions between federal and state officials progress.