Trump GOES OFF – DEMANDS Congress End Sanctuary Cities

A crowded congressional chamber with members in discussion

President Trump threatens to unleash the U.S. military on Minnesota, accusing Democratic leaders of inciting insurrection after federal officers fatally shot two citizens in a week.

Story Snapshot

Two fatal shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis sparked deadly federal-state clash on January 18 and 24, 2026.
Trump blames Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey for chaos, threatens Insurrection Act military deployment.
Deputy AG Todd Blanche labels local leaders “terrorists”; DHS Secretary Kristi Noem eyes no retreat.
Trump demands Congress ban sanctuary cities, forces handover of undocumented immigrants from local jails.
Partisan rift deepens as Republicans back federal override of state resistance to immigration enforcement.

Fatal Shootings Ignite Federal Operations in Minneapolis

On January 18, 2026, ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, in Minneapolis. Department of Homeland Security stated Good tried to run over officers. Local officials disputed this account. Video evidence later seemed to contradict federal claims. Six days later, on January 24, federal officer killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti after he fled a traffic stop and allegedly attacked. These incidents fueled immediate unrest.

Democratic Leaders Rebuke Federal Presence

Governor Tim Walz sharply criticized federal law enforcement surge that evening. He called for de-escalation and appealed directly to Trump to lower tensions. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared the ICE presence unsustainable and demanded agents leave the city. Frey previously told ICE to get out. Both leaders repeatedly urged peaceful protests and denied inciting violence against officers. Walz labeled Trump’s moves a campaign of retribution.

Trump Administration Escalates Accusations

That night, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Walz and Frey of terrorism on social media. He framed their resistance as criminal obstruction. Vice President JD Vance blamed far-left agitators and local authorities for engineered chaos. Stephen Miller called Pretti an assassin targeting federal agents. On January 25, Trump posted that Democrats caused the deaths through obstruction. He demanded cooperation with ICE operations.

Insurrection Act Threat Hangs Over Minnesota

By January 26, Trump explicitly threatened to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, dormant for decades. This law allows presidents to deploy military domestically against insurrections. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed discussions with Trump and affirmed no plans to withdraw. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a tool at the president’s disposal. House Speaker Mike Johnson deemed Minnesota out of control and signaled GOP support.

JUST IN: Trump GOES OFF – Demands Tim Walz, Jacob Frey, and EVERY Democrat Governor and Mayor to Cooperate with Federal Government Amid Minnesota Insurrection, Calls on Congress to Pass Legislation Ending Sanctuary Cities https://t.co/zTV607kC7w #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit

— Ullie (@ullionweb) January 26, 2026

Calls for Sanctuary City Crackdown

Trump urged Congress to pass legislation banning sanctuary cities, which resist federal immigration enforcement. He demanded states and cities turn over undocumented immigrants from prisons and jails. His administration surged ICE into Democratic strongholds as part of the largest deportation effort ever. Local non-cooperation triggered the sanctuary label. Senate Majority Leader John Thune hoped officials settle down without force.

Federalism Clash Tests Power Limits

Federal authority overrides states on immigration, but locals control streets. Trump’s moves challenge state rights while enforcing national law. Common sense aligns with federal supremacy on borders—Democratic resistance endangers officers and citizens, as facts show two U.S. deaths amid unrest. Walz and Frey’s opposition, despite peace calls, enabled chaos. Facts support administration view over disputed local narratives.