President Donald Trump issued a stark warning Thursday, signaling he may invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to restore order in Minnesota amid escalating attacks on federal immigration officers.
Trump’s post on Truth Social came after a week of violent clashes in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good, who authorities say attempted to ram an ICE officer with her vehicle during an enforcement action.
“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State,” Trump wrote, emphasizing readiness to deploy federal resources.
Federal officials confirm that the ICE officer who shot Good acted in self-defense after sustaining internal injuries when struck by her vehicle.
In addition to that incident, law enforcement reports indicate repeated attacks on federal agents, including a Venezuelan man allegedly assaulting an officer with a broomstick and snow shovel during a traffic stop Wednesday night.
Several officers have sustained minor injuries in earlier confrontations, highlighting the real danger federal personnel face during routine enforcement operations.
The operation in Minneapolis is the largest federal immigration enforcement surge in the region’s history, with thousands of DHS and ICE agents targeting human trafficking rings, immigration fraud, and other criminal networks, according to WDRB.
Officers report objects thrown, fireworks aimed at personnel and threats from organized groups linked to violent protest activity.
Nonlethal measures such as tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and tactical removals have been used to protect both officers and bystanders.
The Insurrection Act allows a president to deploy U.S. military forces domestically to quell civil unrest and maintain order.
First enacted by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, it was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, according to Trending Politics.
Legal scholars note that activating the act requires clear evidence that local authorities cannot maintain public safety and that federal deployment is necessary to prevent ongoing violence.
State and local leaders have criticized the federal presence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the operation “unsustainable,” and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) labeled it an “occupation,” claiming ICE overreach.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche fired back on X, accusing city and state officials of fueling unrest and pledging all legal measures to protect federal personnel.
The surge in Minneapolis has also included the deployment of specialized DHS investigative teams and support personnel to assist in documenting violations and processing arrests.
Officials report that mobile command centers and additional surveillance units have been temporarily stationed throughout the city to coordinate enforcement activity.
Community groups and legal observers have raised concerns about civil liberties and due process during the heightened operation, while DHS officials emphasize that the expanded presence is aimed at ensuring federal compliance and officer safety.
The Minneapolis confrontations highlight a broader national debate over federal authority, law enforcement protection, and public safety.
Ongoing protests demonstrate a persistent challenge for federal agencies, particularly when violent demonstrators target personnel performing lawful duties.
Federal officials maintain their top priorities are protecting officers, restoring order and pursuing criminal investigations against individuals who threaten law enforcement personnel.
