Tensions between WASHINGTON and St. Paul reached a breaking point on Thursday. President Donald Trump warned he is prepared to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell ongoing unrest in Minnesota.
The President’s warning followed a second ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis this week. A federal agent reportedly shot a Venezuelan man on Wednesday evening, triggering a fresh wave of protests across the Twin Cities.
Governor Tim Walz issued a "direct appeal" to Trump on X, pleading for the administration to "turn the temperature down." Walz characterized the recent surge of federal agents as a "campaign of retribution" against his state.
The Threat of Military Intervention
President Trump dismissed the Governor's appeal on Truth Social. He accused Minnesota’s "corrupt politicians" of failing to stop "professional agitators" from attacking federal officers.
"I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT," Trump wrote. He argued the move would "quickly put an end to the travesty" occurring in the state.
If invoked, the 1807 law would allow the President to deploy active-duty military forces domestically. This would temporarily override the Posse Comitatus Act, which usually restricts military use for domestic law enforcement.
A War of Words Over ICE Operations
The White House and DHS have doubled down on their defense of the "Metro Surge" operation. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson called Walz’s comments "despicable" and accused him of inciting violence against agents.
"The only statement Tim Walz should be making is an apology," Jackson told FOX News. She noted that ICE has arrested thousands of "criminal aliens" in Minnesota despite local opposition.
The White House Rapid Response team also mocked Walz for a televised address on Wednesday night. In that speech, Walz urged residents to carry their phones at all times to film ICE activity.
"Help us create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans," Walz told viewers. He stated the footage would be used to "bank evidence for future prosecution" of federal agents.
Legal and Civil Unrest
The standoff comes as Minnesota and Illinois continue their legal battle against the administration. State leaders are suing to block the surge, alleging that the federal presence is unconstitutional.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters she has "no plans to pull out of Minnesota." She characterized the current conditions on the ground as "violent and a violation of the law."
The DOJ has reportedly sidelined the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from investigating the fatal shooting of Renee Good last week. This move has further inflamed local distrust of the federal government.
As thousands of ICE and CBP agents remain deployed, the Twin Cities remain on high alert.