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Article Summary
Minnesota anti-ICE protests intensified after two January shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. One incident included the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good. Demonstrators accuse ICE of aggressive tactics and an excessive federal presence. Consequently, President Donald Trump warned he could invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if unrest continues, according to Reuters. Minnesota officials strongly oppose the federal response. State and city leaders have filed lawsuits against DHS and ICE. Moreover, protests have drawn national attention. They sparked clashes with federal officers and fueled a broader debate over immigration enforcement, civil rights, and federal authority.
Minnesota anti-ICE protests escalate amid threats of military intervention
The Minnesota anti-ICE protests grew sharply this week after a series of confrontations and shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Demonstrators have taken to city streets to oppose what they call an excessive federal presence and aggressive tactics by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
President Donald Trump responded by warning he could invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used law. This law would permit the use of active-duty U.S. military forces to restore order if local officials fail to control unrest, according to a report by Reuters.
Tensions in Minnesota began to mount after the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good. Good was a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman, shot by an ICE agent on January 7. That incident sparked local outcry and mass demonstrations. In addition, many are now demanding accountability and an end to the large federal enforcement operation.
Another confrontation occurred on January 14 when a Venezuelan man was shot in the leg by an ICE officer during a traffic stop, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, local officials and community advocates disputed elements of the federal account.
The protests have repeatedly drawn national attention, including clashes between demonstrators and federal officers using crowd control measures such as tear gas.
Trump warns of invoking the Insurrection Act
President Trump’s threat centers on his suggestion that anti-ICE protests threaten the safety of federal immigration agents and the enforcement of federal law. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would activate the Insurrection Act if Minnesota politicians did not “stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists” attacking ICE officers.
The Insurrection Act, enacted in 1807, lets a U.S. president deploy the military or federalize National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement under certain civil disturbance conditions. It has rarely been invoked in modern history.
Trump framed the threat as necessary to protect federal agents and maintain the rule of law. But critics warn that such a move could further escalate tensions between federal and state officials.
Unrest rooted in immigration enforcement and shootings
The Minnesota anti-ICE protests have been propelled by deep frustration over what many Minnesotans view as heavy-handed federal actions.
Protests intensified after federal agents shot and killed Renée Good on January 7. Good’s family and local leaders have disputed federal claims that it was self-defense. Additionally, video footage of the incident has sparked national debate.
Days later, another ICE agent shot a Venezuelan man during a targeted stop, bringing fresh anger to Minneapolis neighborhoods and fueling confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Protesters have gathered daily. Sometimes they block streets and confront security forces. Reports detail instances of smoke, tear gas, and police declarations of unlawful assemblies.
Many residents have criticized the federal presence as overwhelming local police capacity, with Minneapolis officials reporting thousands of federal officers are in the city to enforce immigration laws.
Local political backlash and legal action
Minnesota leaders have strongly pushed back against the federal approach to the unrest.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the situation as “not sustainable” and questioned the scale of the federal deployment compared with the city’s own police force, the ABC News reported.
Minnesota’s state government, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, has filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. Officials argue the federal surge violates constitutional rights. These include free speech and protection against unreasonable seizures.
A federal judge has given the Justice Department time to respond to motions seeking to curb the enforcement operation, and legal battles are expected to continue.
Broader national reactions and tensions
Furthermore, these anti-ICE protests have drawn reactions far beyond state lines.
Human rights advocates and immigrant communities nationwide have voiced solidarity with protests, while some communities in other states have seen similar demonstrations as opposition to federal immigration policies expands.
At the same time, some commentators have characterized the unrest more cynically. For example, opinion pieces argue that protest activity is part of a coordinated effort to undermine federal enforcement. However, these claims are contested.
Former public figures, like ex-Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, have publicly criticized the Trump administration’s tactics, framing the federal response as unconstitutional overreach.
FAQs
Why did Donald Trump threaten to use the military?
Former President Donald Trump warned he could invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials failed to control unrest. He argued that federal agents faced repeated attacks. Additionally, Trump also said that local leaders were not adequately protecting them.
What is the Insurrection Act?
Congress passed the Insurrection Act in 1807, allowing a president to deploy active-duty military forces or federalize the National Guard to restore order during civil unrest. Presidents rarely use the law, and critics consider it controversial because it permits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
Has the Insurrection Act been used recently?
The Insurrection Act has not been formally invoked in decades. It was last used during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Trump previously considered invoking it during protests in 2020 but did not ultimately do so.
Are local police involved in ICE enforcement?
Local police departments in Minnesota say they are not directly participating in ICE enforcement. However, they have responded to protests for crowd control and public safety purposes.
Is Minnesota considered a sanctuary state?
Minnesota is not formally designated as a sanctuary state, but several cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement under local policies.
