Rarely used 1807 law Trump threatens to invoke

President Donald Trump is considering invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 as part of his intensified crackdown on immigration and civil unrest during his second term. The rarely used law allows the president to deploy active-duty military and National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement if regular legal systems are deemed ineffective due to rebellion or obstruction. Trump has already declared a national emergency at the southern border and sent troops to manage immigration protests in Los Angeles, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.

The Insurrection Act has only been used a few times in U.S. history, such as during the Civil War, to combat the Ku Klux Klan, and to enforce school desegregation in the 1950s. Its last use was in 1992 during the LA riots. Critics warn that Trump’s move could escalate tensions and face legal hurdles, similar to past blocks on his deportation orders under the Alien Enemies Act. Still, Trump defended his position, stating he would not hesitate to invoke the law if unrest continues, signaling a potential legal and political battle over presidential powers.