We’ve spoken about this before, but I’m seeing more and more leading me to believe he will be invoking the Insurrection Act around April 20th. I think everyone needs to be aware of what this is and what that means as we go forward.
Why I think he will:
+ He tried to during the George Floyd protests, but Milley stopped him, which led to their falling out. I don’t believe anyone will stop him this time, by design.
+ During his 2024 campaign, Trump and his allies reportedly drafted executive orders to invoke the Insurrection Act on the first day of his presidency. This would allow the military to shut down civil demonstrations against him and detain migrants at the southern border. He also suggested overriding the Posse Comitatus Act to enable these actions.
+ His Executive Order from January 20th allowing 90 days to receive reports on illegal immigration before possibly enacting The Insurrection Act.
+ Tom Homan is ready to “rain hell” on sanctuary cities.
What the Insurrection Act is:
“The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a U.S. federal law that empowers the President to deploy military forces within the country to suppress civil disorder, insurrection, or rebellion. It serves as an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits federal troops from engaging in domestic law enforcement.”
When it is supposed to be used:
+ At the request of a state’s legislature or governor to suppress an insurrection against that state. 
+ To enforce federal laws when unlawful activities make it impracticable to do so through regular judicial proceedings. 
+ To protect civil rights when insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combinations, or conspiracies deprive individuals of constitutionally secured rights, and state authorities are unable or unwilling to protect those rights.
Some examples of its use:
+ Nat Turners Rebellion, which was a slave revolt in Virginia led by Nat Turner. Federal troops were deployed, crushing the rebellion and new laws were enacted to suppress the slaves further.
+ Civil War, Lincoln used it to help dismantle the confederacy and enforce civil rights protections.
+ Little Rock Crisis, where an Arkansas governor defied a federal court order to desegregate schools. Eisenhower sent in the 101st Airborne to make sure black children could safely attend school.
Also, Civil Rights Riots after MLK assassination, to combat looting after Hurricane Hugo and the Los Angeles Riots.
Why this is scary:
+ Historically, the Insurrection Act has been employed to suppress civil disturbances, insurrections, or rebellions, not for immigration enforcement or border security. Utilizing it for immigration purposes is unprecedented.
+ Deploying the military for immigration enforcement could lead to civil rights infringements, including unlawful detentions and racial profiling. We’re already getting a decent snapshot of how poorly this is going, just with ICE.
+ Such action might set a precedent for future administrations to use military force in situations traditionally managed by civilian agencies.
+ Aggressive military enforcement could exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable migrant populations, including asylum seekers and children, leading to humanitarian crises.
Other MAJOR concerns, in my opinion:
+ The state of Tennessee making it a felony for an elected official to vote against Trumps immigration policies or for Sanctuary, punishable by six years in prison.
+ The venture capitalist, Caine, who Trump assigned as a top general, has reportedly said “I’ll k!ll for you” to Trump. He also has vacancies for our top uniformed lawyers in the Army, Navy and Air Force, the people responsible for reviewing orders to determine if they’re legal. He is filling those positions with loyalists, obviously.
+ Pete Hegseth said the quiet part out loud, that those officers were removed preemptively to avoid them “blocking orders that were given by the commander in chief.”
+ Many of his recent actions seem to be “testing waters”, like targeting university kids for “illegal protests” - which is our right. He claims anti-semitism/racism for students protesting the destruction of Palestine, even though the protests include a large number of Jewish students as well. However, he’s dead silent on the n*zi rallies that have occurred all over the United States. That’s “freedom of speech”, but peaceful protests over human rights are “illegal protests.”
+ The current legislation Chip Roy has filed regarding the ICC (International Criminal Courts). I may do a deep dive on that later, but it’s concerning. 124 countries have ratified the Rome Statute - but the United States, Russia and China have not. The ICC investigates and prosecutes genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression. Republicans are currently trying to kick them off U.S. soil. Check out HR 1839 and HR 23.
If he does:
+ There will be a large military presence, especially in sanctuary cities, Democratic cities, anywhere who is “resisting federal authority.”
+ There maybe curfews and movement restrictions, specifically limiting public gatherings.
+ Enhanced surveillance and searches.
+ If he labels our gatherings, protests, demonstrations as “insurrections” and “rebellions”, he can deploy the military against us.
+ If a state refuses to comply with federal law, that can be labeled as an “act of rebellion” and justify military use.
How we can stay safe:
+ Stay informed through reliable independent news sources (like AP, Reuters, BBC) so you know where it is being enforced.
+ Follow your local government so you know curfews and what is being enforced.
+ Know your rights. It does NOT SUSPEND your first and fourth amendment rights.
+ Plan alternative routes if curfews and checkpoints are put into place.
+ Peaceful demonstrations can be met with force, be aware of that. Don’t bring your kids or anything.
+ Use your phone to record but be mindful of laws involved with recording law enforcement in your local area. (Hide your phone so they don’t assume you’re using it.)
+ Organizations like ACLU and Amnesty International will provide legal support if you experience government overreach.
+ Use encrypted messaging apps and secure your privacy. We will be unable to post public activism. Do not post personal information.
+ Have an emergency contact list on you at all times.
+ Make sure you have your meds, food, water, etc.
The Insurrection Act does not suspend the Constitution, but it does give the government broad powers that could limit freedoms. Staying informed, avoiding unnecessary risks, and knowing your rights are the best ways to stay safe.
Lets hope the king is satisfied on April 20th and this doesn’t happen. One beautiful day this will all be a terrible memory. Stay safe and love your neighbor.
(Pictured: Insurrection Act at play during Rodney King riots. “Armed with machine guns and grenade launchers, National Guard soldiers hold a line on Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles during the riots in 1992.”)
