Trump threatens to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act amid anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. Latest updates on Minnesota unrest and federal response.
Table of Contents
Trump Threatens Insurrection Act Over Minneapolis ICE Protests
Introduction
President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell escalating anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rare legal move comes after violent clashes between protesters and federal immigration enforcement agents resulted in shootings and property damage. With over 3,000 federal officers deployed to Minnesota, tensions continue to escalate following controversial immigration enforcement operations.
What Happened in Minneapolis?
Wednesday Night Shooting Incident
On Wednesday evening, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national, in the leg during a confrontation. According to DHS:
- Car chaseย involving Sosa-Celis (previously convicted for driving without a license)
- Physical altercationย after vehicle pursuit ended
- Three Venezuelan nationalsย attacked the agent with a snow shovel and broom handle
- Agent fired in self-defense, hitting Sosa-Celis
All three suspects arrested:
- Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis (shot, non-life threatening injuries)
- Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna
- Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called it an “attempted murder of federal law enforcement.”
Protest Violence Erupts
Following the shooting, protesters clashed with law enforcement in Minneapolis’s Hawthorne area:
- Officers hit withย fireworks, ice, and snowballs
- Multiple federal government vehiclesย damaged and looted
- FBI offeringย $100,000 rewardย for stolen property recovery
- Property theft from government vehicles
Understanding the Insurrection Act
What Is the Insurrection Act?
The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a 19th-century federal law allowing:
- Deployment ofย active-duty militaryย for domestic law enforcement
- Presidential authority to suppress civil disorder
- Overriding of state sovereignty in extreme circumstances
Key facts:
- Rarely invoked in modern US history
- Requires specific conditions of unrest
- Controversial due to federal-state power dynamics
Trump has previously threatened to use this law but never formally invoked it.
Background: The Renee Nicole Good Shooting
Fatal Incident That Sparked Protests
Tensions in Minneapolis began after January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, by an ICE agent:
What happened:
- ICE agents approached Good’s vehicle
- Video shows car attempting to drive away
- Agent firedย three shotsย at driver
- Good died from injuries
Conflicting accounts:
- Trump administration:ย Agent acted in self-defense
- Local officials:ย Woman posed no danger
- FBI:ย Currently investigating
Fundraising efforts:
- Good’s family:ย $1.4 millionย raised
- ICE agent Jonathan Ross:ย $740,000ย raised
Trump’s Threat and Federal Response
President’s Warning
Trump posted on Truth Social threatening Insurrection Act deployment if Minnesota officials fail to stop “professional agitators and insurrectionists.”
Operation Metro Surge Continues
- 3,000 federal officersย deployed to Minnesota
- Federal judgeย deniedย Minnesota prosecutors’ restraining order against ICE
- Immigration enforcement operations ongoing
Political Reactions
Local Officials Push Back
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey:
- Demanded ICE leave the city
- Stated: “The situation we are seeing in our city is not sustainable”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz:
- Called for de-escalation: “Let’s turn the temperature down”
- Previously called ICE a “modern-day Gestapo”
- Announced end to re-election bid amid welfare fraud scandal
What ICE Agents Can Legally Do
Use of Force Authorization
ICE agents have authority to:
- Conduct immigration enforcement operations
- Use force in self-defense situations
- Arrest individuals violating immigration laws
- Execute federal warrants
Legal limitations:
- Must follow federal use-of-force guidelines
- Subject to FBI and internal investigations
- Accountable under constitutional protections
FAQ Section
What is the Insurrection Act and has Trump used it before?
The Insurrection Act is an 1807 federal law allowing the president to deploy active-duty military for domestic law enforcement. Trump has threatened to invoke it multiple times but has never formally done so.
Why are there protests against ICE in Minneapolis?
Protests erupted after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7. Tensions escalated following a second shooting incident on Wednesday involving three Venezuelan nationals.
How many federal officers are in Minnesota?
Approximately 3,000 federal immigration enforcement officers have been deployed to Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge.
What happened in the Wednesday night shooting?
A DHS agent shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg after being attacked by three Venezuelan nationals with a shovel and broom handle following a car chase. All three attackers were arrested.
Can Minnesota stop federal ICE operations?
No. A federal judge denied Minnesota prosecutors’ request for a temporary restraining order against ICE. Federal immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction.