What It Took for George H.W. Bush to Invoke the Insurrection Act

Under the law, the Insurrection Act can be invoked in a number of circumstances. According to a report from the Brennan Center , Section 251 allows the president to send in troops if the state legislature or governor requests federal assistance during an insurrection. Sections 252 and 253 empower the president to act regardless of the wishes of state officials. In particular, Section 253 allows the president to use troops to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy” that obstructs the enforcement of laws or when state authorities can’t or won’t protect constitutional rights.

Last week, tensions escalated in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents. President Trump has spoken about invoking the Insurrection Act and MAGA architect Steven Bannon recently called on him to do so in response to the situation in Minnesota. This act, a combination of laws passed largely in the 19th century, would allow the president to send military forces into the cities and override the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which generally prohibits federal troops from being involved in domestic law enforcement operations.

Last week, tensions escalated in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents. President Trump has spoken about invoking the Insurrection Act and MAGA architect Steven Bannon recently called on him to do so in response to the situation in Minnesota. This act, a combination of laws passed largely in the 19th century, would allow the president to send military forces into the cities and override the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which generally prohibits federal troops from being involved in domestic law enforcement operations.

Under the law, the Insurrection Act can be invoked in a number of circumstances. According to a report from the Brennan Center, Section 251 allows the president to send in troops if the state legisl