US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to quell unrest over federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
He threatened to send in troops following a night of protests and vandalism in the Minnesota city after an agent shot a man in the leg.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said an officer opened fire after he was attacked by three Venezuelan nationals with a shovel and broom handle.
Tensions have been running high in Minneapolis since an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, 37, last week, sparking nationwide protests.
The Insurrection Act is a 19th Century law that allows active-duty military personnel to be deployed for law enforcement duties inside the US. Trump has previously suggested he might invoke the 1807 law without taking action.
Following the shooting incident, DHS stated that during a car chase, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was previously convicted for driving without a license, got out of his vehicle and attacked a federal agent. Two other Venezuelans joined him in the assault.
Protests erupted in Minneapolis after the incident, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in injuries and property damage. The FBI has since offered a reward for information related to stolen government property amidst the chaos.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have publicly criticized the escalation of ICE's presence in the city and have called for de-escalation of tensions. Walz emphasized the need to 'turn the temperature down,' addressing the violence and unrest that continue to plague the city.
The ongoing disputes and protests highlight broader national debates over immigration policies and law enforcement practices as they intersect with community safety and rights.
