Trump Threatens U.S. Troops in Minnesota After Federal Officer Targeted by Activists

President Donald Trump warned Minnesota officials Thursday morning that unless they stop encouraging “professional agitators and insurrectionists” from attacking federal law enforcement officers, he will send U.S. troops to quell the violence.

In a Truth Social post, Trump blasted what he called “corrupt politicians” in Minnesota and stated if they “don’t obey the law” and don’t stop attacks 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 follows heightened 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 take into custody an illegal migrant from Venezuela when the suspect fled by car, crashed into a parked vehicle, and began running.

DHS confirmed the officer was subsequently attacked by three individuals—one wielding a shovel and another a broom handle—before the agent fired what officials described as a defensive shot. Two additional suspects were arrested, and the wounded man’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Trump framed Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota as evidence of a breakdown in local leadership that has emboldened activists to escalate from protest to violence against officers carrying out lawful duties. In a separate Truth Social statement, he highlighted a federal court decision where a “highly respected judge” declined to block ICE operations, asserting 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 its cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to halt the federal operation, ordering the Justice Department to respond by Monday as she reviews a restraining order request. Meanwhile, Democrat Governor Tim Walz has portrayed the operation as heavy-handed and accused the federal government of provoking chaos—a stance Republicans argue only inflames streets and invites further clashes.

Federal officials report that the enforcement surge has resulted in thousands of arrests since early December, with authorities vowing not to back down despite growing protests and local legal challenges. The Pentagon is also preparing military lawyers to assist federal prosecutions tied to the operation, signaling Washington views the Minnesota crackdown as a sustained campaign rather than a temporary show of force.