How Trump could use the Insurrection Act to pummel Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tensions in Minnesota are rapidly escalating after President Donald Trump signaled he may deploy U.S. troops to bolster an aggressive federal immigration crackdown—raising alarms about civil liberties, federal overreach, and the potential misuse of extraordinary presidential powers.

The threat comes after the Twin Cities were flooded with federal immigration agents and following a deadly confrontation last week in Minneapolis in which an ICE agent fatally shot a driver. The incident ignited protests across Minnesota and beyond, turning the state into a national flashpoint.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sharply condemned the federal operation, calling it “a campaign of organized brutality” and labeling the presence of federal agents an “occupation” of the state.

The Big Picture

Minnesota is already a tinderbox. Protesters have taken to the streets following the killing of Renee Good, while clashes between demonstrators and federal agents have intensified. Trump’s warning that troops could be deployed has added fuel to an already volatile situation.

On Thursday, Trump vowed to act unless state officials “stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the patriots of I.C.E.” His remarks came just hours after another ICE-related shooting in the Twin Cities, where an agent shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during what the Department of Homeland Security described as an ambush.

Why This Matters

At the center of the standoff is the Insurrection Act, a rarely used federal law that allows a president to deploy U.S. troops on American streets. No president has invoked it since 1992. While one section requires a governor’s consent, other provisions allow unilateral action to enforce laws, suppress rebellion, or respond to “domestic violence” that deprives citizens of constitutional rights.

Legal scholars warn that the law is dangerously broad. The Brennan Center has described it as the primary exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally bars federal troops from conducting civilian law enforcement.

A recent federal court ruling has already scrutinized Trump’s domestic use of military force, with a judge finding his deployment of the National Guard in the Los Angeles area violated long-standing legal limits.

Public Reaction

Public opinion appears sharply divided—but leaning against military escalation. A new YouGov poll shows 44% of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, while only 22% strongly approve.

As protests continue nationwide, Minnesota has become ground zero for a broader debate over immigration enforcement, states’ rights, and the limits of presidential power.

Threat Level

Constitutional experts caution that invoking the Insurrection Act now could set a precedent with lasting consequences. Many are calling for Congress to update the law, arguing that its sweeping authority is ripe for misuse in moments of political and social unrest.

News Blend 360 will continue monitoring this developing story.