Minneapolis Protests Intensify as Trump Hints at Military Response

Minneapolis faced another tense night as protests continued following a second shooting involving a federal immigration officer within a single week. Public anger has intensified amid fears of increased federal force, particularly after President Donald Trump warned he could use a rarely invoked law to deploy U.S. troops to the state. The unrest comes at a time when trust between communities and authorities is already strained by recent fatal encounters.

Protests Escalate After Federal Shooting

Demonstrations gathered near the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, where clashes repeatedly broke out between protesters and law enforcement. Federal officers wearing tactical gear used tear gas and crowd-control devices after crowds blocked entrances, shouted at officers, and threw objects at vehicles leaving the area. Several arrests were reported as authorities attempted to disperse the gatherings.

The protests were sparked by the shooting of a Venezuelan national during an attempted arrest by a federal immigration officer. Officials say the individual resisted and attacked the agent, while two others intervened during the encounter. All were detained. The incident follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good earlier this month, which continues to fuel public outrage. Her family has called for the preservation of all evidence as they consider possible legal action.

Insurrection Act Threat Draws Sharp Criticism

As tensions rose, President Trump suggested he could invoke the Insurrection Act, a centuries-old law that allows the federal government to deploy military forces domestically during extreme unrest. White House officials described the law as an option available to the president, signaling a willingness to take stronger action if protests persist.

Civil rights groups and legal experts strongly opposed the threat, warning that military involvement could further inflame the situation. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota condemned the proposal and announced legal action against federal authorities, alleging violations of constitutional rights during recent immigration enforcement operations.

The unrest has also raised wider concerns across the Twin Cities. In St. Paul, federal agents stopped vehicles transporting students and school staff, prompting school officials to offer virtual learning options for those who feel unsafe returning to classrooms. As demonstrations continue, local and state leaders are urging calm, emphasizing the need to prevent further violence while tensions remain high.