US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to quell unrest in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement operations. This threat comes in the wake of a violent night of protests triggered by an ICE agent shooting a man in the leg during a confrontation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the shooting unfolded after three Venezuelan nationals reportedly attacked an immigration officer with weapons, leading the officer to defend himself.
Tensions have escalated further following the January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was fatally shot by an ICE agent, igniting protests across the country.
Trump posted on Truth Social that he is prepared to deploy military personnel for law enforcement if local officials do not effectively control what he described as professional agitators and insurrectionists. The Insurrection Act permits such deployment under circumstances of civil disorder.
Violence erupted again Wednesday night when clashes between protesters and federal law enforcement occurred near the site of the previous shooting. Reports indicate that law enforcement officers faced various projectiles from demonstrators while some government vehicles were vandalized.
Minnesota's leaders have urged for de-escalation as the situation remains fragile. Mayor Jacob Frey has demanded that ICE cease operations in the city, while Governor Tim Walz appealed directly to Trump for a calming of the situation. Walz has labeled ICE’s presence a cause of chaos and unrest, particularly after recent fatal incidents involving immigrants.
As of now, thousands of federal agents are present in Minnesota, and the Trump administration indicates that immigration enforcement activities will remain a focus despite backlash and protests.
