Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a firm statement on Thursday. She said the federal government will not withdraw immigration enforcement from Minnesota. This comes despite growing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Minneapolis.
Federal Presence to Continue
"I have no plans to pull out of Minnesota," Noem told ABC News. She spoke as demonstrations intensified across the city. These protests followed two shootings involving federal officers in just over a week. The Secretary emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining its operations in the state.
Insurrection Act Remains a Possibility
When asked about President Donald Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act, Noem confirmed discussions. She said she has talked about the issue directly with the president. Noem stated Trump certainly has the constitutional authority to use that power if needed.
"My hope is that this leadership team in Minnesota will start to work with us," Noem added. She expressed a desire for local cooperation to remove criminals from the streets. The Secretary explained Trump's decision-making process involves multiple sources.
"That's why he calls me, he calls Pete [Hegseth], he calls local law enforcement," Noem said. She noted the president also talks to individual agents on the ground. According to Noem, Trump makes fully informed decisions and utilizes his authorities carefully.
Trump Escalates Rhetoric
President Trump himself escalated the situation on Thursday. He warned he could deploy the Insurrection Act amid ongoing unrest. Trump wrote about this on his social media platform.
"I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me," Trump stated. He promised to quickly put an end to what he called a travesty in Minnesota. The president blamed protesters and Minnesota politicians for a breakdown of law and order.
Protests Follow Second Shooting
Tensions remained high in Minneapolis early Thursday. Protesters clashed with law enforcement following a second shooting involving a federal officer. The Department of Homeland Security provided details about Wednesday night's incident.
DHS said a federal law enforcement officer shot a suspect during a traffic stop. This occurred after the individual allegedly fled and then attacked the officer. The agency reported two other people helped in the assault.
The incident came just days after another fatal shooting. Thirty-seven-year-old Renee Good died on January 7. DHS claimed Good attempted to run over officers, but local officials disputed this account.
DHS Releases New Details
The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect from Wednesday's incident. They named him as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, whom they described as undocumented. According to DHS, agents stopped Sosa-Celis during a traffic stop in Minneapolis.
The agency said he then fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. DHS claimed Sosa-Celis resisted arrest and violently assaulted an officer. Two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment during the altercation.
These individuals allegedly attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. "Sosa-Celis got loose and began striking the officer with a shovel or broom stick," DHS reported. The officer then fired a shot, striking the suspect in the leg.
Arrests Made, Investigations Continue
Authorities arrested Sosa-Celis and the two other suspects following the incident. DHS also described these two individuals as undocumented. Officials have not yet detailed potential charges against any of them.
Federal and local agencies continue to investigate both shootings. Protests and political tensions remain elevated across Minneapolis. The situation continues to develop as different levels of government navigate the crisis.
