By Ahanthem Andy Ross Thursday, January 15, 2026
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Thursday prepared for a possible invocation of the Insurrection Act of 1807 to address the escalating unrest in Minneapolis. The move comes as federal law enforcement faces continued resistance following a fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent last week.
In a morning statement, President Donald Trump cited the “Minnesota insurrection” and accused local officials of failing to protect federal personnel. “I will institute the Insurrection Act to quickly put an end to the travesty taking place in that once great state,” the president announced, signaling a transition from local law enforcement to federal military intervention.
Ground Zero: Minneapolis Under Siege
The city of Minneapolis has remained a flashpoint for civil disorder since the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE officer on January 7. Tensions reached a breaking point Wednesday night after a second federal shooting involving a Venezuelan man triggered widespread clashes.
- Overnight Activity: Protesters launched fireworks and rocks at federal agents, while officers wearing gas masks deployed tear gas and flash-bang grenades.
- ICE Standoff: Mayor Jacob Frey has demanded the immediate withdrawal of ICE agents from the city, describing the current federal surge as an “impossible situation” for local safety.
- Arrests: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports more than 2,000 arrests in the region since the federal immigration crackdown intensified in December.
The Insurrection Act of 1807: A Legal Framework
The Insurrection Act serves as the primary statutory exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally forbids the U.S. military from engaging in domestic law enforcement.
- Presidential Power: Under Sections 252 and 253 of Title 10, the president may deploy the U.S. Army or federalize National Guard units without a governor’s consent if federal laws are being obstructed or if “domestic violence” deprives citizens of constitutional rights.
- Precedent: The Act was last utilized in 1992 during the Los Angeles Riots. In the 1950s and 60s, it was famously invoked by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy to enforce civil rights and desegregation in the South.
Global and Domestic Impacts
While the White House focuses on Minneapolis, other major developments are unfolding:
- The “JAG” Surge: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly requested 40 military lawyers (JAGs) to be reassigned as special federal prosecutors in Minneapolis to handle the backlog of protest-related cases.
- Energy Markets: Despite the domestic tension, S&P 500 Futures Rise, Nasdaq 100 Futures Advance, Dow Futures Flat: Live Updates show that strong tech earnings are currently buoying the markets, though oil prices have dipped on easing Middle East fears.
Status of the Crisis
| Location | Status | Federal Force |
| Minneapolis | Active Unrest | ~3,000 ICE/DHS Agents |
| St. Paul | Civil Protests | National Guard on Standby |
| Washington D.C. | Policy Review | Insurrection Act Proclamation Prepared |
Attorney General Keith Ellison and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have filed a federal lawsuit to halt the ICE surge, alleging it violates the First and Tenth Amendments. A federal judge has given the Justice Department until Monday to respond to requests for a restraining order.