President Trump is considering invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, an obscure law permitting military deployment for domestic law enforcement. This comes amid his administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which has already utilized the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for mass deportations. The Insurrection Act would authorize troops to suppress protests and enforce immigration orders, as seen in recent National Guard deployments to Los Angeles following migrant arrests that sparked unrest. California officials have condemned these actions as presidential overreach.

Historically used during extreme crises like the Civil War and civil rights era, the Act was last invoked in 1992 during the Rodney King riots. While Trump has expanded executive power through emergency declarations, the Supreme Court has previously blocked some of his immigration policies. Legal challenges may arise if he proceeds with this controversial measure, potentially escalating tensions over his hardline immigration agenda.