White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has claimed that local and state police in Minneapolis have been instructed to “stand down and surrender” to federal authorities. This assertion appears to dismiss the limitations of federal authority over local law enforcement. Miller’s comments were made in response to a New York Post article by columnist Miranda Devine, who discussed the withdrawal of local police amid protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city.
Background on Minneapolis Protests
Recent protests in Minneapolis were sparked by the shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally wounded by ICE agents during an operation on January 7. In the wake of this incident, President Trump deployed thousands of immigration agents to the area, leading to a heightened response from local officials.
Constitutional Concerns
Miller’s comments raise constitutional questions. The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commanding local law enforcement to stand down. Moreover, for local police to “surrender,” they would need to be engaged in an armed conflict with federal agents, which was not the case here. Miller’s statements seem geared towards preparing the groundwork for President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.
Insurrection Act Implications
The Insurrection Act allows the president to utilize military forces to quell uprisings against the federal government. However, it does not grant the authority to supersede local law enforcement. Experts from the Brennan Center for Justice clarify that the military can assist local or state authorities, but cannot replace them.
State Officials Respond
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has faced criticism from President Trump for encouraging residents to document potential abuses by ICE agents. Walz described federal actions as a “campaign of organized brutality” against the people of Minnesota. His comments come amid calls from local leaders to resist aggression against vulnerable communities.
- Renee Nicole Good: Shot by ICE agents, sparking protests.
- Tim Walz: Minnesota Governor encouraging citizen documentation of federal abuses.
- Trump’s Reaction: Threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act.
- Local Response: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged ICE to leave the city.
Federal Agency Actions
As tensions mounted, federal agents escalated their response, utilizing tear gas and pepper balls against protesters. These actions, along with ongoing investigations into local officials’ responses, have further complicated the situation in Minneapolis.
Moving forward, the relationship between local law enforcement and federal agencies remains contentious. The dialogue surrounding these events will likely continue to evolve as both sides navigate their complex roles in maintaining public safety and addressing civil rights concerns.
