Minnesota Communities Form Rapid Response Networks as Pentagon Readies Troops for Possible Deployment

Neighborhood watch networks are forming across Minnesota as immigration enforcement operations continue in the state, with volunteers coordinating through encrypted messaging apps to alert residents when federal agents are spotted nearby.

The community organizing comes amid escalating tensions following the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent in North Minneapolis two weeks ago. That incident sparked renewed protests and prompted President Trump to threaten invoking the Insurrection Act.

Now, two defense officials tell NBC News the Pentagon has ordered roughly 1,500 active-duty soldiers—two infantry battalions from the Army's 11th Airborne Division—to be ready for possible deployment to Minnesota. The Department of Defense did not confirm or deny the report.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed back on the prospect of military forces in the city.

"That would be a shocking step. To those that are paying attention, you've got to understand how wild this is right now," Frey said. "In Minneapolis, crime is dramatically down. You know what's causing more chaos? Having these thousands of ICE agents and border control and apparently military, even, potentially on our streets."

Volunteers in the rapid response networks say they use Signal group chats to share real-time updates on agent locations and directions of travel. When activity is reported, members head to the scene to record video and notify neighbors.

Trump has said using the Insurrection Act in Minneapolis remains on the table.