President Trump threatens to deploy federal troops to Minnesota using the Insurrection Act if state officials fail to stop violent protests against ICE operations, marking an unprecedented confrontation between federal authority and Democratic state leadership over immigration enforcement.

Trump Issues Federal Ultimatum After Agent Attacks

President Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday morning that he would invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops if Minnesota officials cannot control “professional agitators” attacking ICE agents. The threat followed a Wednesday night incident where protesters attacked an ICE officer with a shovel and broom handle, prompting the agent to shoot a Venezuelan national in the leg. Trump declared corrupt politicians must stop obstructing law enforcement or face federal military intervention to “put an end to the travesty.”

Operation Metro Surge Overwhelms Minneapolis

The administration’s “Operation Metro Surge” deployed approximately 3,000 ICE officers to the Twin Cities area—a force five times larger than the Minneapolis Police Department. This unprecedented show of federal force targets what Trump calls “murderers” and violent criminals for deportation. The massive operation began after the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross, which sparked initial protests demanding ICE withdrawal from the city.

Federal Judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota’s emergency request for a temporary restraining order against ICE operations Wednesday morning, seeking more evidence before potentially limiting federal enforcement activities. The judicial decision strengthened Trump’s position and allowed continued operations despite mounting state opposition. Governor Tim Walz delivered a primetime address Wednesday night calling the federal presence an “occupation” and urging residents to record ICE activities for potential prosecution.

Woke up this morning absolutely stunned to see what happened in Minnesota last night..

Rioters stole guns and sensitive law enforcement documents after breaking into an ICE vehicle safe.

These are not organic protests. These are professional anarchists.

It’s absolutely… pic.twitter.com/JXIyevuXBe

— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) January 15, 2026

Democratic Leaders Decry Federal Overreach

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey characterized the ICE deployment as an “invasion” that terrorizes residents and creates an impossible situation for local authorities. Governor Walz publicly urged Trump to “end the occupation” while encouraging Minnesotans to document federal agents’ actions. The Democratic leadership’s resistance reflects broader concerns about federal overreach, though their legal options remain limited after the court’s TRO denial.

This confrontation represents a rare modern instance of threatened Insurrection Act use against a governor’s wishes to protect federal agents. Unlike historical precedents where presidents deployed troops for civil rights enforcement or at governors’ requests, Trump’s threat specifically targets state opposition to immigration enforcement. The standoff underscores the administration’s commitment to deportation operations despite local resistance, potentially setting a precedent for federal military intervention in immigration disputes nationwide.

🚨 BREAKING: Anti-ICE rioters tied a TOW ROPE to a weapons locker in a federal vehicle and RIPPED IT OUT with a pickup truck, as Minneapolis PD REFUSED to respond

THIS IS UNSUSTAINABLE

DHS agents are SITTING DUCKS

WE NEED MARINES HERE NOW! Locals are BEGGING for relief, 47! pic.twitter.com/v88fqedOOV

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 15, 2026

Sources:

CBS Minnesota – Live Updates: Minnesota ICE Shooting Protests Trump Insurrection Act

Axios – Trump Insurrection Act Minneapolis ICE Protests

TIME – Trump Threatens Insurrection Act Deploy Troops Minnesota

Fox9 – Trump Insurrection Act Minnesota