Trump Threatens Insurrection Act Over Minnesota Anti-ICE Protests

President's threat to deploy federal troops sparks fears of military crackdown on citizens

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:05pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a crowd of protesters marching in the streets, with overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors conveying the energy and tension of the unrest.Protests against the federal government's immigration crackdown in Minnesota erupt into chaos, sparking a controversial threat to invoke the Insurrection Act.Minneapolis Today

In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to address ongoing protests in Minnesota against his administration's immigration policies. The threat has sparked fears of a military crackdown on citizens, as the Act is typically used to address civil unrest, not to target federal officers.

Why it matters

Trump's threat to use the Insurrection Act raises concerns about the role of the military in domestic affairs and the potential for escalating tensions between the federal government and state/local authorities. The situation in Minnesota highlights the deep divisions in the country over immigration enforcement and the use of force against protesters.

The details

The recent unrest in Minneapolis began after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, an incident that has ignited anger and fear across the city. Trump's response, invoking the Insurrection Act, has only served to escalate tensions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made over 2,000 arrests in the state since December, vowing to continue its crackdown. Protests, tear gas, and another shooting have only added fuel to the fire. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the federal force as an "invasion," with officers outnumbering the city's police force five to one.

  • The recent unrest in Minneapolis began in December 2025 after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good.
  • President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act on April 12, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to address the protests in Minnesota.

Jacob Frey

The Mayor of Minneapolis who has described the federal force as an "invasion" and objected to Trump's plans.

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who has described the state as being in chaos and stated that "This is not about immigration enforcement. It's a campaign of brutality by our own federal government."

Renee Good

An individual who was shot and killed by an ICE agent, sparking the recent unrest in Minneapolis.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that has made over 2,000 arrests in Minnesota since December and vowed to continue its crackdown on immigration.

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What they’re saying

“The Insurrection Act has been used by many presidents before me, and I will not hesitate to use it to restore order in Minnesota.”

— President Donald Trump

“This is an impossible situation, and our city is caught in the crossfire.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis

“This is not about immigration enforcement. It's a campaign of brutality by our own federal government.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the federal government to deploy troops under the Insurrection Act.

The takeaway

Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act highlights the deep divisions in the country over immigration enforcement and the use of force against protesters. The situation in Minnesota raises concerns about the role of the military in domestic affairs and the potential for escalating tensions between the federal government and state/local authorities.