Trump's Insurrection Act Threat in Minnesota: What Travelers Need to Know

Breaking Update (January 16, 2026): President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota following protests over federal immigration enforcement. If you're planning to visit Minnesota—particularly Minneapolis and St. Paul—here's what travelers need to know.

What's Happening in Minnesota

On January 7, 2026, an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis. According to fire department reports, Good sustained four gunshot wounds, sparking immediate protests across the Twin Cities.

The Trump administration has deployed hundreds of agents as part of "Operation Metro Surge"—an intensified immigration enforcement campaign with no announced end date.

On January 15, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act—the same law he threatened but never used during 2020's George Floyd protests. The Insurrection Act of 1807 grants presidential authority to deploy military forces domestically to suppress civil disorder.

Current Situation: Where to Go and Where to Avoid

Safe to Visit

✅ Mall of America (Bloomington) – Operating normally ✅ Minneapolis Institute of Art – Minimal disruption ✅ Stone Arch Bridge & Mill District – Safe during daylight ✅ Chain of Lakes (Uptown) – Unaffected by protests ✅ MSP International Airport – Normal operations

Exercise Caution

⚠️ Downtown Minneapolis – Evening protests; street closures ⚠️ North Minneapolis – Ongoing federal operations ⚠️ University of Minnesota – Student demonstrations ⚠️ Government buildings – Peak protest hours 4-8 PM

According to KSTP, federal agents are conducting operations at homes, businesses, and hospitals. Daily protests are primarily peaceful but with occasional clashes.

Your Rights as a Traveler

If You Encounter ICE or Federal Agents

Know Your Rights (applies to everyone):

Right to remain silent – Don't answer questions about birthplace or immigration status
Refuse searches – Unless agents have a judge-signed warrant
Decline to show ID – In most situations (driving requires license)
Document everything – Photos/videos from a safe distance
Request an attorney – Immediately if detained

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit alleging racial profiling in Twin Cities operations.

During Protests

Keep distance from demonstrations
Don't interfere with law enforcement
Follow dispersal orders
You can photograph from public areas
Legal observers report federal agents inappropriately targeting them

What If the Insurrection Act Is Invoked?

Immediate Effects

Military Deployment:

Active-duty troops patrolling Minneapolis-St. Paul streets
Possible checkpoints at major intersections
Potential curfews (enforcement uncertain)

Your Rights:

Constitutional protections remain intact
This is NOT martial law
Hotels and attractions continue operating
You can still travel to/from Minnesota

Historical Context: During the 1992 LA riots (last Insurrection Act use), 4,000 troops deployed for 10 days. Most businesses stayed open with minimal military interaction outside affected zones.

Practical Travel Tips

Before You Go

Monitor news: Star Tribune, KSTP, MPR News
Register with embassy/consulate if international
Download offline maps
Buy travel insurance with civil unrest coverage
Save emergency contacts: 911 (emergency), 311 (non-emergency Minneapolis)

While There

Safety Tips:

Stay aware of surroundings, especially downtown after dark
Avoid large gatherings if uncomfortable
Keep phone charged with backup battery
Allow 30-60 extra minutes for MSP airport travel
Use rideshares cautiously—drivers report ICE checkpoint concerns

Best Neighborhoods:

Bloomington – Mall of America area; far from protests
Edina – Quiet, upscale
St. Paul (except Capitol) – Fewer protests
Stillwater – Historic river town; great day trip

Should You Cancel Your Trip?

Cancel If

✅ Uncomfortable with any civil unrest ✅ Hotel in downtown Minneapolis (can't change) ✅ Traveling with young children ✅ Primary activities are downtown evening events

Keep Plans If

✅ Flexible itinerary; can avoid affected areas ✅ Staying outside downtown Minneapolis ✅ Comfortable navigating cities during unrest ✅ Want to support Minnesota businesses

Modify Your Plans

✅ Stay in Bloomington instead of downtown ✅ Daytime activities only; return by 5 PM ✅ Add day trips to Stillwater, Duluth, or Wisconsin ✅ Visit museums weekday mornings (fewer protests)

Key Resources

Emergency Contacts

Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 311 (Minneapolis) or 651-291-1111 (St. Paul)
ACLU Minnesota: Legal rights hotline

News Updates

Official Response

Governor Tim Walz opposed the Insurrection Act threat but announced he won't seek re-election. Attorney General Keith Ellison successfully blocked SNAP benefit cuts and is challenging federal actions.

Immigrant-owned businesses are struggling—your tourism dollars help communities recover.

The Bottom Line

Minnesota is still open for tourism, but the situation is fluid. Low risk for most travelers—civil unrest is localized to specific Minneapolis areas. Major tourist attractions remain largely unaffected.

Three Key Takeaways

Most of Minnesota is unaffected – Civil unrest concentrated in downtown Minneapolis
Your rights are protected – Constitutional protections apply even during military deployment
Stay informed – Monitor local news daily; situations change rapidly

For International Travelers

This is a localized issue, not nationwide
Your embassy can provide guidance
Most of America operates normally
Minnesota welcomes international visitors

Travel Outlook

If Act NOT invoked (most likely): Protests gradually diminish, Minneapolis returns to normal within 2-4 weeks, tourism minimally impacted.

If Act IS invoked: Military presence for 1-2 weeks, increased disruptions, tourism drops temporarily, gradual recovery over 1-3 months.

Historical Context: Minnesota weathered 2020 George Floyd protests, rebuilt, and remains a vibrant destination.

The Insurrection Act Explained: What You Need to Know – Comprehensive legal analysis
Top 10 States to Live in the United States 2026 – How Minnesota ranks
50 States Bucket List: 9 Must-Visit Destinations – Future travel ideas

Final Thoughts

The Insurrection Act threat represents a significant moment in U.S. history and a challenging time for Minnesota. As a traveler, make informed decisions that prioritize both your safety and support for affected communities.

Stay safe, stay informed, and know your rights.

This article will be updated as the situation develops. Last updated: January 16, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Travel decisions should be based on your personal circumstances and comfort level.