President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm by threatening to deploy federal troops under the Insurrection Act to curb protests in Minnesota.
Amid escalating unrest following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, Trump posted on Truth Social on Jan. 15, 2026, warning that he would invoke the Insurrection Act if state officials fail to halt what he calls “professional agitators” attacking ICE officers. The death of Good has fueled widespread demonstrations across Minnesota, already tense from opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. A second shooting of a Venezuelan man by a federal agent in the Twin Cities has further intensified the clashes with local authorities.
Supporters of the president contend that decisive action is long overdue to restore order and protect federal agents doing their duty. The situation in Minnesota has spiraled, with federal officers in riot gear deploying rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters setting off fireworks near rallies. Videos reviewed by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune show individuals taking items from abandoned vehicles, claiming they belong to federal agents.
In one striking clip, a woman showcased papers she claimed held sensitive data. She stated, “full names of FBI agents, phone numbers, emails… maps on where they’re staying, where they’re holding immigrants. There’s hotel names in there. There’s judge names.”
While the outrage may feel justified to some, isn’t it concerning that personal details of federal personnel are being exposed during protests? ICE countered with a firm stance, declaring, “Peaceful protests do not result in the destruction of federal vehicles and theft of federal property.” Surely, safeguarding law enforcement information must take precedence over mob-driven disclosures, as The US Sun reports.
Tensions trace back to the incident involving Renee Good, labeled a “domestic terrorist” by Trump and executive officials for allegedly driving her car toward ICE agents. Officer Jonathan Ross, who sustained internal bleeding after being struck, fired three shots at Good. Federal officials maintain Ross acted in self-defense.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sharply rebuked this narrative, using strong language to demand ICE’s withdrawal from his city. He, alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, insists on a thorough and unbiased investigation. Both fear federal detectives might expedite the process unfairly.
Gov. Walz directly challenged Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging them to cease what he terms an “occupation.” He also encouraged residents to record ICE activities as potential evidence. His defiance underscores a deepening rift between state and federal powers.
Walz passionately addressed the public, saying, “I know you’re angry. I’m angry.” He continued, “What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets. But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Don’t give him what he wants.”
Yet, isn’t Walz’s rhetoric playing into the very unrest Trump aims to quash? If the Insurrection Act—last formally used in 1992 by President H.W. Bush during Los Angeles riots over the Rodney King verdict—is invoked, it could override Walz’s refusal of federal aid. The Act allows Trump to deploy troops and command National Guard units to suppress uprisings.
The fatal shooting of Good has sparked debate over whether the ICE agent could face charges. Experts suggest federal prosecutors are unlikely to act, given support from Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary Noem. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani noted state authorities could still convene a grand jury and pursue charges like manslaughter or murder under state law.
Criminal defense attorney Eric Faddis echoed this, indicating any prosecution would likely stem from Minnesota officials, potentially for second-degree murder or a lesser homicide offense. Both attorneys, citing video evidence, agreed Good committed acts such as vehicular assault and possibly obstructing law enforcement. Rahmani added that Good’s family might opt for a civil lawsuit.
Adding fuel to the fire, a second incident in the Twin Cities saw a federal agent injure a Venezuelan man during an arrest. The Department of Homeland Security stated the man resisted, aided by two others, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense. All three individuals are now in custody.
Protests, already fueled by opposition to Trump’s strict immigration enforcement, have grown fiercer since Good’s death and this latest shooting. With locals documenting federal actions and clashing with officers, the divide between state and federal responses widens. Isn’t it time for state leaders to prioritize de-escalation over confrontation?
As investigations proceed, more updates are expected on these volatile events. The standoff between Trump’s administration and Minnesota officials like Walz and Frey tests the limits of federal authority versus local governance. The nation watches as this clash over law enforcement and public safety unfolds.
