Minneapolis Protests Intensify as Trump Threatens to Deploy Military
The city of Minneapolis is on edge as protests against federal officers continue to escalate, with President Donald Trump warning that he may deploy the military under a rarely invoked law. The situation has become increasingly volatile, with reports of tear gas, rocks, and fireworks being used by both sides.Protests Intensify as Federal Officers Deploy Tear Gas
The protests began after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7. Since then, demonstrations have become a daily reality in Minneapolis, with residents confronting federal officers and demanding their departure. The situation took a turn for the worse when federal officers deployed tear gas against a small crowd near the site of the latest shooting, prompting protesters to throw rocks and set off fireworks.
Trump Threatens to Deploy Military Under Insurrection Act
President Trump has repeatedly floated using the Insurrection Act, which allows a president to mobilize the military or federalize the National Guard for domestic law enforcement. In a social media post, Trump warned that he would institute the act if Minnesota's politicians failed to stop 'professional agitators and insurrectionists' from attacking ICE officers. Historically, presidents have used the law more than two dozen times, with the most recent instance being in 1992 when President George H.W. Bush deployed forces to quell unrest in Los Angeles.
Minnesota Officials Push Back Against Trump's Threats
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has vowed to challenge any move by Trump to deploy the military under the Insurrection Act. Gov. Tim Walz also appealed to Trump, urging him to 'turn down the temperature' and stop the campaign of retribution against protesters. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit on behalf of three U.S. citizens who claim they were questioned or detained without cause.
Racial Profiling and Warrantless Arrests Spark Outrage
The ACLU's lawsuit alleges that DHS is engaging in racial profiling and warrantless arrests, with the agency denying any wrongdoing. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding an end to what they see as a campaign of retribution against protesters. St. Paul Public Schools have announced a temporary shift to online learning for students uncomfortable attending in-person classes, while Minneapolis Public Schools is offering similar arrangements.
The situation in Minneapolis remains volatile, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down. As the protests continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Trump's threats will lead to a deployment of military forces or if Minnesota officials will find a way to de-escalate the situation.
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