U.S. Federal Authorities Consider Insurrection Act Amid Minneapolis Unrest

On January 15, 2026, U.S. federal authorities signaled potential consideration of the Insurrection Act following escalating unrest in Minneapolis related to federal law enforcement operations. The situation involved protests, public safety concerns, and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Minnesota state government, and the White House were central actors. Statements from federal leadership suggested the possible use of expanded federal authority to restore order if violence continued.

The Insurrection Act, a rarely used federal law, allows the president to deploy military forces domestically. Its mention immediately triggered political debate over civil liberties, federal power, and the role of the military in domestic affairs.