Trump Considers Insurrection Act Amid Minnesota Protests Against ICE

Fri Jan 16 2026 12:39:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to escalating protests in Minneapolis over an ICE shooting incident, President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to restore order. The aftermath of the federal agent's actions has ignited widespread unrest and raised questions about immigration enforcement policies.

President Donald Trump is contemplating the invocation of the Insurrection Act to control protests in Minneapolis after an ICE agent shot a man, resulting in significant public outcry and unrest. The tensions have been exacerbated by recent incidents involving federal immigration enforcement and local community responses. While supporters of the administration argue for the need for law enforcement, critics express concerns over the escalating violence and call for review of ICE’s actions.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to quell unrest over federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

He threatened to send in troops following a night of protests and vandalism in the Minnesota city after an agent shot a man in the leg.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said an officer opened fire after he was attacked by three Venezuelan nationals with a shovel and broom handle.

Tensions have been running high in Minneapolis since an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, 37, last week, sparking nationwide protests.

The Insurrection Act is a 19th Century law that allows active-duty military personnel to be deployed for law enforcement duties inside the US. Trump has previously indicated the possibility of invoking this law in other situations without taking action.

President Trump posted on Truth Social that he would leverage the law if Minnesota officials failed to manage what he termed professional agitators and insurrectionists.

DHS reported that the recent shooting incident involved a car chase with Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national with prior convictions. The agent reportedly acted in self-defense during an assault with a shovel and broom handle.

Protests have erupted across Minneapolis condemning the actions of ICE, with local officials calling for the agency's withdrawal from the city. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has demanded ICE leave, reflecting public sentiment against immigration enforcement tactics.

Democratic Governor Tim Walz has reached out to Trump, urging a de-escalation of tension while also criticizing ICE for creating unsustainable conditions in the community.

Following the incident, clashes between protesters and law enforcement led to damage to federal property, prompting the FBI to offer rewards for recovery and information on the incident.

As events unfold, the national debate over immigration enforcement practices and civil rights continues, with advocates on both sides pushing for their perspectives to be heard.