Trump Threatens Military Action Against Minnesota Insurrectionists Following Law Enforcement Attack
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Minnesota officials Thursday that unless they stop encouraging “professional agitators and insurrectionists” from attacking federal law enforcement officers, he will deploy military forces to quell the violence.
In a Truth Social post, Trump denounced what he called “corrupt politicians” in Minnesota, stating that if local leaders “don’t obey the law” and fail to prevent assaults on the “Patriots of I.C.E.,” he is prepared to invoke the Insurrection Act to “quickly put an end” to the unrest.
The president’s warning comes as tensions escalated in Minneapolis after a federal officer shot a man in the leg during an arrest attempt Wednesday night, according to federal officials. The Department of Homeland Security reported that officers were attempting to take into custody an illegal migrant from Venezuela when the suspect fled by car, crashed into a parked vehicle, and ran. DHS stated the officer was then attacked by three individuals—one wielding a shovel and another a broom handle—before firing what the agency described as a defensive shot.
Two additional suspects were taken into custody, and federal officials confirmed the wounded man’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Trump characterized ICE operations in Minnesota as evidence of local leadership breakdown that has emboldened activists to escalate from protest to violence against officers carrying out lawful duties. His earlier Truth Social statement highlighted ongoing legal challenges, noting a “highly respected judge” had declined to block ICE operations and that agents would continue removing “violent and vicious criminals” while keeping Americans safe.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez recently denied emergency requests from Minnesota and cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to halt federal enforcement actions. Instead, she ordered the Justice Department to respond by Monday as she considers a restraining order request.
Democrat Gov. Tim Walz has labeled the operation “heavy-handed” and accused federal authorities of provoking chaos—a stance Republicans argue only inflames tensions and invites further clashes. Federal officials report thousands of arrests since early December, with enforcement efforts continuing despite growing protests and local leaders seeking court intervention.
The Pentagon is preparing military lawyers to assist federal prosecutions tied to the operation, signaling Washington views the Minnesota crackdown as a sustained campaign rather than temporary show of force.
