President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke a centuries-old federal law to deploy military force in Minnesota, escalating tensions following recent clashes and protests involving federal immigration agents.
In a social media post, Trump warned that if state politicians do not prevent agitators from attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, he would invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.
The threat comes after a federal agent was allegedly attacked with a shovel on Wednesday, leading the agent to shoot a protester in the leg.
The incident occurred near the site where Renee Nicole Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7.
Good’s death and the recent shooting have sparked sustained demonstrations across the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, known locally as the Twin Cities.
What is the Insurrection Act of 1807?
This federal law allows a U.S. president to deploy the military and federalize state National Guard units to suppress domestic unrest. It was last invoked in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush, who deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following the Rodney King verdict riots.
Trump has previously considered using the act, including last June in Los Angeles.
With information from 10 News
