Trump Threatens to Invoke Insurrection Act as Immigration Protests Escalate in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, January 16, 2026 US President Donald Trump has warned that he may deploy the military in Minneapolis if protests against immigration authorities continue, invoking the possibility of using the Insurrection Act of 1807. The warning comes amid growing unrest in the city following a series of violent incidents linked to an ongoing immigration crackdown, which has sparked fear, anger, and large-scale demonstrations. In a strongly worded social media post, Trump accused Minnesota’s political leadership of failing to maintain law and order and claimed that immigration officers were being targeted while performing their duties. He said that if state authorities did not act against what he described as “professional agitators and insurrectionists,” he would use the Insurrection Act to restore order. The rarely used law allows the US president to deploy the military or federalise the National Guard during extreme civil unrest. Trump’s remarks followed a tense week in Minneapolis. On Wednesday, an immigration officer shot and injured a man who allegedly attacked the officer with a shovel and a broom handle. This incident occurred close to the location where another immigration officer had earlier shot and killed a local resident. That death triggered widespread protests, with demonstrators gathering outside a federal building used by immigration authorities, chanting slogans and accusing officers of excessive force and discrimination. While protests continued, city officials urged calm. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city was under immense pressure and that authorities were working to ensure public safety while protecting the right to peaceful protest. According to reports, demonstrations on Thursday night were calmer compared to earlier days. Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz pushed back strongly against Trump’s threat, urging him to de-escalate the situation. Walz warned that sending soldiers would only heighten fear and chaos, calling instead for restraint and peaceful expression. State Attorney General Keith Ellison also said he would legally challenge any move to deploy the military, noting that he is already suing the federal government over the immigration operation known as “Metro Surge,” which has led to more than 2,500 arrests since late November. Trump Signals Military Option as Immigration Protests Grip Minneapolis US President Donald Trump has warned of possible military intervention in Minneapolis if protests against immigration authorities continue to escalate. He said he may invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807, a rarely used law that allows the president to deploy the military or take control of the National Guard during severe civil unrest. The warning came after a tense week marked by violence and public anger. An immigration officer recently shot and injured a man who allegedly attacked him, an incident that followed the fatal shooting of a local resident by another immigration officer. These events sparked protests across the city, with demonstrators accusing authorities of excessive force and unfair immigration practices. Crowds have been gathering outside a federal building used by immigration officials, raising slogans and demanding accountability. While tensions remain high, city leaders have appealed for calm. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said officials are working to balance public safety with the right to peaceful protest, noting that recent demonstrations have been relatively calmer. State leaders have pushed back against Trump’s threat. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged the president to lower tensions, warning that deploying soldiers would worsen fear and unrest. State Attorney General Keith Ellison said he would legally challenge any military action, as the state is already contesting the federal immigration operation, “Metro Surge,” which has led to thousands of arrests since late last year.