WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump backed aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minnesota during a tense White House press briefing on January 20, 2026.
His comments came as protests over federal immigration raids grew into major unrest across the Twin Cities. The push is part of a large federal effort called Operation Metro Surge, which has sent thousands of agents into the state and triggered riots, lawsuits, and a nationwide political fight.
During a long briefing that marked one year into his second term, Trump praised ICE operations in Minnesota. He said agents had made more than 3,000 arrests of people he described as criminal suspects in recent weeks. He framed ICE agents as loyal public servants doing tough work, while saying errors can happen when situations move fast.
Trump also spoke about the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident who was killed earlier in January during an ICE action. He called the death “a tragedy” and said he felt “horribly” when he heard about it. He added that he understood “both sides,” but argued agents often work in dangerous conditions and shouldn’t be blamed without context.
Insurrection Act Talk, Court Limits, and DOJ Appeal
Trump described some anti-ICE protesters as “insurrectionists,” comparing the unrest to past episodes of violence. He signaled he could consider using the Insurrection Act if the situation worsens.
Protests have included disruptions at public events, calls for economic blackouts from labor unions and community groups, and clashes with federal personnel. A federal judge recently issued an injunction that limits certain enforcement tactics, including arrests of peaceful demonstrators and the use of crowd-control measures without clear justification. The Department of Justice has appealed that order.
Operation Metro Surge has centered heavily on neighborhoods with large Somali immigrant communities. That focus has drawn strong criticism from local leaders, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who represents the area. Trump has made Minnesota a central testing ground for his mass deportation plans, deploying about 3,000 federal agents even as state officials pushed back.
Tensions have grown as Rep. Ilhan Omar and her husband, Tim Mynett, face scrutiny from House Republicans and federal authorities over their personal finances. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), opened an inquiry into what Republicans call Omar’s “skyrocketing family wealth.”
Disclosures, Rose Lake Capital, and Fraud Questions
Financial disclosures from 2024 reportedly show a sharp jump in household assets. The increase is tied to Mynett’s consulting firm, Rose Lake Capital LLC, with values reportedly rising from small amounts to between $5 million and $25 million in a short span. Some reports claim the couple’s net worth may have reached $30 million.
Investigators are reviewing whether the gains were properly reported under federal ethics rules and whether they connect to wider concerns in the district. Those concerns include a reported $9 billion fraud scandal tied to Somali social services.
Trump has publicly called Omar “crooked,” tying the investigation to claims of fraud and questionable business dealings. Omar has denied being a millionaire and says Republicans are targeting her for political reasons. The Oversight probe could lead to subpoenas for Mynett, adding another layer to the ongoing fight over ethics and transparency in Washington.
Trump also used the briefing to revive his long-running push to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory. He threatened new tariffs on several European countries as pressure for a deal.
He said the US plans to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom starting February 1, 2026. He warned the rate would rise to 25% by June 1 if no agreement is reached for what he called the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland.
Europe Calls It Blackmail as Retaliation Plans Form
The tariff threat has angered European leaders, with some calling it “blackmail.” The EU is preparing possible countermeasures, including the use of its anti-coercion tool, which could target US exports or limit market access.
The standoff has shaken markets and added strain inside NATO. Leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signaled they’re ready to respond if the tariffs take effect. Trump first floated the Greenland idea in his first term, and it has returned as a clear sign of his hardline approach abroad.
Together, the Minnesota ICE crackdown, the investigations surrounding Omar, and the tariff fight with Europe show how turbulent the start of 2026 has been under Trump’s second administration. It’s a mix of domestic enforcement battles at home and economic pressure campaigns overseas.
