A federal law enforcement officer used pepper spray against protesters on the streets of Minneapolis on Wednesday night as tensions flared following a shooting earlier in the day. AP Photo
Donald Trump warned on Thursday that he may use a centuries-old law to send troops into Minneapolis as protests continue against federal immigration officers. The warning followed days of unrest tied to a large federal immigration operation in the city.
Trump raised the threat after an immigration officer shot and injured a man during a confrontation. That incident followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer earlier this month, which sparked widespread anger and fear across Minneapolis.
Trump Issues Direct Warning
Trump repeated his long-standing threat to use the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807 that allows the president to deploy the military or take control of the National Guard during domestic unrest.
“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 said in social media post.
State Leaders Push Back
Minnesota leaders quickly responded. Governor Tim Walz urged calm and asked the president to ease tensions. “I’m making a direct appeal to the President: Let’s turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are,” Walz said on X.
Attorney General Keith Ellison said he would challenge any troop deployment in court. His office already filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the expanded immigration operation, known as Metro Surge.
Protests Turn Confrontational
Federal officers increased their presence in early January when Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent 2,000 agents into the Twin Cities. The Department of Homeland Security says officers arrested more than 2,500 people since late November.
On Wednesday night, federal officers fired tear gas as protesters threw rocks and fireworks. Smoke filled nearby streets as officers wearing gas masks moved crowds back. Mayor Jacob Frey described the moment as deeply troubling. “This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in and at the same time we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe,” Frey said.
Lawsuits and Civil Rights Concerns
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of three U.S. citizens who say officers questioned or detained them without cause. The lawsuit claims officers targeted people based on race and made arrests without warrants. Federal officials did not immediately respond.
Details of the Latest Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security said officers stopped a driver from Venezuela who entered the country illegally. After a chase and crash, three people attacked the officer. “Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life,” DHS said.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the injured man did not face life-threatening wounds.
Schools Shift Plans
School districts responded to the unrest by offering remote learning options. St. Paul and Minneapolis schools adjusted schedules, while the University of Minnesota announced flexible learning options for the new term.
