Trump Floats Using Insurrection Act as Minneapolis Streets Boil Over With Protests

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to use the Insurrection Act to send troops to Minnesota as clashes between federal agents and local residents grew worse.

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the patriots of ICE, who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the Insurrection Act,” Trump vowed in a Truth Social post on Thursday morning.
The warning came after a judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit filed by the state and the Twin Cities. The suit asks the court to pause the federal operations that many locals call an occupation.

Tensions rose further on Wednesday when a federal officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during a traffic stop that turned violent. The Department of Homeland Security said the officer fired after being attacked during the arrest.

DHS described the episode this way. “The original subject got loose and began striking the officer with a shovel or broom stick… Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg,” the agency said.

The shooting followed the fatal shooting last week of Renee Good, who was killed during an ICE operation in Minneapolis. Her death set off protests and a wave of anger that shows no sign of easing. Local leaders and civil rights groups say federal tactics have made the city less safe, not more safe.

Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz have called for calm and for a quick review of federal actions. They have publicly asked the federal agents to leave and asked residents to document any interactions with officers. Protesters have met agents on the street and police have used tear gas and other crowd control tools.

Legally the Insurrection Act lets a president use troops to restore order in states when local authorities cannot. The law is old but still powerful. It is the exception that lets the military act where the Posse Comitatus Act would otherwise stop them.

Invoking the Act would be dramatic and rare. Presidents have used it in the past to enforce desegregation and to answer major riots. Still, courts and Congress can push back and public opinion can make the move risky. Military leaders also weigh in before troops move into U.S. cities. If the president signs an order the Defense Department would draw up details and the Guard could be federalized. That can happen fast or it can stall in court.

Critics say using troops against protestors or against people who watch ICE activities would be a step too far. They warn that it could chill free speech and make neighborhoods feel occupied. Supporters say stronger measures are needed to protect agents and to keep order. The debate is now as heated as the streets. Local lawyers and rights groups say they will sue if troops are sent. Courts have in some cases ruled limits on troop use inside cities. That makes a legal fight likely and could slow any move.

Featured image via X screengrab