Fact Check: Are UN troops to be deployed in the US? (2024)

The threat of domestic unrest, or at least the perception of it, has been heightened recently with new movements vying for some states, including Texas and California, to secede, forming their own governments.

Earlier this year, the leader of a California secession movement told Newsweek that a national separation was needed to avoid another "civil war," adding it was their belief "that there's a lot of growing political violence and political problems in the country that may lead to fighting in the streets."

Amid ongoing tension, one recent viral social media post suggested the government is already preparing for disturbances by deploying a team of UN peacekeeping forces to cope with potential national unrest.

The Claim

A post on X, formerly Twitter, by user @JoshWhoX, posted on May 16, 2024, viewed, 739,200 times claimed, "UN Troops to be Deployed Across U.S. as Pentagon Prepares for Civil Unrest: Operation Peacekeeper Unveiled."

"In a groundbreaking move, the Pentagon has announced a partnership with the United Nations to deploy UN troops across the United States in preparation for potential civil unrest.

"This decision marks a significant shift in the country's approach to managing domestic crises and has sparked widespread debate among citizens and experts alike.

"The initiative, dubbed 'Operation Peacekeeper,' aims to enhance the nation's ability to respond to large-scale civil disturbances by leveraging the expertise and resources of the United Nations.

"The UN troops, hailing from various countries, will work alongside local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and maintain order during periods of unrest.

"The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the potential for civil unrest in the United States.

"Recent years have seen an increase in social and political polarization, leading to numerous high-profile protests and clashes between opposing groups.

"In response, the Pentagon and the UN have recognized the need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to managing these challenges.

"Operation Peacekeeper will see UN troops deployed to major cities across the country, with a particular focus on areas identified as potential hotspots for civil unrest."

The Facts

There is no evidence that the UN plans to send troops to the U.S. to deal with civil unrest or otherwise.

The original post, which has inspired conversation elsewhere on social media, is not supported by any sources or references. The user who posted the claim, @JoshWhoX, included an article on his blog about the same claim, but did not include any evidence there either.

Much of the content on their blog is conspiratorial, awash with false claims and misleading narratives.

The project "Operation Peacekeeper" has nothing to do with UN-led security operations or civil unrest. The only major project with that name was a 1997 scheme designed to reduce gun homicide, in Stockton, California.

According to a National Institute of Justice analysis, it used interagency work, research, utilizing social services, and communicating with "offenders," among other measures, leading to a 42 percent decrease in monthly gun homicides.

Crucially, it has nothing to do with UN deployment or civil unrest.

No Department of Defense or UN resources mention any plan to deploy domestic troops or international peacekeeping forces to relieve the threat of civil disturbances.

A spokesperson for the Department of Defense told Newsweek "It's false," while a UN peacekeeping spokesperson added "We have seen the reports you refer to being circulated on social media. These reports are false.

"UN peacekeeping does not have any missions in the United States of America. No UN peacekeepers are deployed in the United States of America."

The legality of U.S. secession movements, which have gained popularity in recent years, has been questioned. According to the Supreme Court 1869 case Texas vs. White, individual states can't unilaterally decide to leave the union.

However, this hasn't stopped media personalities and politicians from joining the cause.

Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called to "separate by red states and blue states" in a post on X in February 2023. At the time, she also went on Fox News to suggest that a national divorce is needed to avoid a civil war.

"The last thing that I ever want to see in America is a civil war," the congresswoman told host Sean Hannity. "No one wants that, but it's going that direction and we have to do something about it."

The Ruling

False.

There is no evidence this is true. The theory was shared, without reference or sources, by a conspiracy theorist with a record of sharing false and misleading information. "Operation Peacekeeper" was the name of a project designed to reduce gun homicides in Stockton, California.

FACT CHECK BY Newsweek's Fact Check team