GOP Senator Trying To Calm Trump Down
Republican senators are urging caution as debate grows over whether the federal government should invoke the Insurrection Act in response to ongoing protests in Minneapolis following a fatal encounter involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The rarely used statute—last updated in 1874—would allow President Donald Trump to deploy active-duty military forces or federalized National Guard units to assist local authorities if civil unrest overwhelms public safety efforts.
While Republicans broadly support the administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration and enforcement, several GOP senators have made clear they are uneasy about deploying troops into a major American city unless absolutely necessary.
Television and online coverage in recent days has shown tense scenes involving ICE agents in protective gear confronting demonstrators attempting to interfere with enforcement operations. Lawmakers warn that escalating federal force could risk inflaming an already fragile situation.
When asked whether invoking the Insurrection Act would be appropriate, Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, responded simply, “Probably not.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski also stressed the importance of restraint, saying federal officials must work to reduce the likelihood of confrontation between law enforcement and local communities.
“Since the fatal incident last week, we’ve needed to be extremely cautious in how we proceed—not just in Minnesota, but nationwide,” Murkowski said. She noted that the current climate recalls the unrest seen during the 2020 riots following the death of George Floyd, adding that such instability “serves no one.”
Tensions escalated after a woman was killed during an ICE operation when officers attempted to detain her while her vehicle was obstructing a roadway. Federal authorities are reviewing the incident, which has become a flashpoint for protesters targeting immigration enforcement.
In response, the Trump administration announced plans to send 1,000 additional immigration officers to Minnesota, significantly expanding the federal law-enforcement presence in the state. The move was framed as necessary to ensure officers can safely carry out lawful duties.
Last week, President Trump warned that the Insurrection Act could be used if state and local officials failed to stop protesters from interfering with ICE operations.
“If Minnesota’s leaders don’t enforce the law and protect federal officers, I will take action,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, emphasizing his responsibility to restore order and uphold federal law.
The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots—at the request of California’s governor—after widespread violence followed the acquittal of police officers in the Rodney King case.
Sen. Rand Paul urged cooler heads to prevail, warning against decisions that could worsen national tensions. “We should be calming the country down, not pushing it toward further chaos,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune downplayed the likelihood of immediate military deployment while calling on local leaders to cooperate with both federal and local law enforcement to restore calm.
Normally, the Posse Comitatus Act restricts the use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement. However, the Insurrection Act provides an exception if local authorities are unable or unwilling to enforce the law.
Republicans continue to strongly support President Trump’s immigration agenda and previously approved major funding increases for the Department of Homeland Security through the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.
Sen. John Kennedy said protesters must stop obstructing officers performing lawful duties. “Blocking agents, harassing them, and disrupting operations has to end,” he said, while acknowledging that all law enforcement actions must remain professional and lawful.
Sen. Ron Johnson noted that the administration appears prepared for all options but expressed hope that order can be restored without invoking emergency powers.
As the situation unfolds, Republican leaders continue to walk a careful line—supporting firm immigration enforcement while emphasizing public safety, constitutional limits, and the need to prevent further unrest.
