Trump Threatens Insurrection Act in Minneapolis Amid Anti-ICE Unrest

"The military is on standby." Donald Trump has threatened to deploy active-duty troops to the streets of Minneapolis to quell escalating protests against federal immigration enforcement. The threat comes after a chaotic night on January 14, 2026, where an ICE agent shot a man during a violent confrontation.

Understanding the Trump Insurrection Act Minneapolis Threat

The president's warning involves the Insurrection Act of 1807, a rare law allowing the military to perform domestic law enforcement. According to the DHS, the latest violence erupted when three individuals attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the incident an "attempted murder" of federal law enforcement, defending the agent's decision to open fire.

The city has been a powder keg since the fatal shooting of 37-year-oldRenee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7. While the administration claims self-defense, local leaders like Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz have condemned the federal presence. Walz, a Democrat, urged the president to "turn the temperature down" to avoid further chaos.

Federal Escalation and a $100,000 Reward

The FBI is now offering up to $100,000 for information leading to arrests or the recovery of stolen government property. With approximately 3,000 federal officers already deployed in Minnesota, the situation remains highly volatile. Trump’s "Operation Metro Surge" shows no signs of slowing down, even as local police report being targeted with fireworks and ice by protesters.