Trump THREATENS Military Deployment Against Woke State

Man in suit with photographers in background.

President Trump threatened to deploy military forces against Minnesota if Democratic leaders fail to stop protests over federal immigration raids that have left two people shot by ICE agents.

Story Snapshot

Trump threatens Insurrection Act deployment in Minnesota following escalating clashes between protesters and ICE agents conducting mass immigration raids
Two shootings by federal agents sparked daily protests, including the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good on January 8
Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey caught between federal pressure and local opposition to Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge expected to rule by January 16 on Minnesota’s lawsuit seeking to restrict ICE tactics and arrests

Federal Immigration Raids Overwhelm Minneapolis

Operation Metro Surge deployed approximately 3,000 ICE agents to the Twin Cities in early December 2025, creating a force that outnumbers Minneapolis police by five to one. The massive federal operation has resulted in over 2,000 arrests, fundamentally altering the balance of law enforcement in the Democratic-controlled metropolitan area. Local officials describe the situation as an unprecedented federal occupation of their community.

The sheer scale of the operation has strained local resources and created daily confrontations between federal agents and residents. Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara acknowledges the protests have been mostly peaceful, though some incidents involve vandalism and fireworks thrown at federal agents. The federal presence has transformed routine community interactions into potential enforcement encounters.

Deadly Force Sparks Community Outrage

The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good on January 8 became the flashpoint for sustained protests against federal immigration enforcement. Good, a U.S. citizen, was killed by an ICE agent as she attempted to drive away from federal agents. The incident galvanized community opposition and triggered daily demonstrations that have continued for over a week.

A second shooting occurred on January 14 when a federal officer shot a man in the leg during what officials describe as a self-defense situation involving an attack with a shovel or broom. The accumulation of violent incidents has intensified local anger while federal officials maintain their agents acted appropriately under dangerous circumstances.

Insurrection Act Threat Escalates Constitutional Crisis

Trump’s Truth Social post on January 15 delivered his clearest threat yet to invoke the Insurrection Act, declaring he would “institute INSURRECTION ACT” if corrupt politicians fail to stop agitators. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche escalated the rhetoric by accusing Governor Walz and Mayor Frey of “terrorism” for not suppressing the protests more aggressively.

The Insurrection Act of 1807 grants presidents extraordinary power to deploy military forces domestically to suppress rebellion or violence without governor consent in specific circumstances. Trump’s threatened use would depart from historical precedent, which typically involved governors requesting federal assistance or enforcing civil rights against state resistance. This situation involves federal override of Democratic state leadership opposing immigration enforcement tactics.

Local Leaders Navigate Impossible Situation

Governor Walz posted on social media urging restraint, telling protesters “Don’t give Trump violence” while describing Minnesota as an “island of decency.” His measured response reflects the precarious position of trying to maintain order without legitimizing what he views as federal overreach. Mayor Frey called the situation “impossible” with two levels of government at odds.

Federal Judge Kate Menendez faces a Friday deadline to rule on Minnesota’s lawsuit seeking to restrict ICE force and arrest tactics. The Biden appointee denied a temporary restraining order on January 14, but her upcoming decision could either limit federal operations or provide justification for Trump’s threatened escalation. The legal battle represents a test case for state authority against federal immigration enforcement.