(NewsNation) — Some Minnesotans are worried that President Donald Trump’s threats of invoking the Insurrection Act and deploying federal troops could start a “full-on civil war” in the still-grieving state.
“If Trump deploys the federal troops and then (Gov. Tim) Walz decides to deploy the National Guard, it could be very scary,” one resident told NewsNation.
Twelve “anti-ICE agitators” were arrested in protests on Thursday night, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Protests have erupted daily over the killing of Renee Macklin Good, a Minneapolis motorist shot by a federal immigration officer last week, and the continued force against demonstrators and civilians alike.
Trump on Thursday said he may use the law to put federal troops on the streets of Minnesota if “the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E.”
At a Friday field hearing titled “Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s deadly assault on Minnesota,” more than two dozen House Democrats spoke out against the administration’s actions.
“Let me clear: This pattern of reckless and even lethal use of force cannot continue, and we will do everything in our power to hold the administration accountable and stop this lawlessness,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.
Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have urged Trump to tone down his messaging and escalations — something they have also asked of protesters. Trump’s allies say Walz and Frey should stop portraying ICE as a threat.
A Minneapolis resident decried the political messaging coming from Walz, Frey and Trump, telling NewsNation: “The divisive language, honestly being used on both sides, is not great leadership, right? Leaders are meant to bring people together.”
Walz has put Minnesota’s National Guard on standby, but troops have not yet been deployed.
Maine preparing for ICE operations, officials say
Two cities in Maine are also bracing for the deployment of ICE officers in the coming weeks. The state’s governor, Democrat Janet Mills, and the mayors of Portland and Lewiston say they are prepared to be the Trump administration’s next target.
Mills said she has not been able to confirm any operations are planned, but shared a warning for the federal government: “If your plan is to come here to be provocative and to undermine the civil rights of Maine residents, do not be confused. Those tactics are not welcome here.”
Lewiston and Portland are home to the state’s largest Somali population. The government has honed in on Somali-led fraud schemes in both Minnesota and Maine in recent weeks. Investigations in Minnesota led to increased ICE presence, dozens of arrests and the pausing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, including Somalia.
The Trump administration has not confirmed where federal immigration enforcement is next expected to spike.