The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown Protests Flare and Violence Erupts
Jan 15, 2026
Kristi Noem, serving as Secretary of Homeland Security, discusses federal operations in Minneapolis following a federal shooting, emphasizing the legal implications of invoking the Insurrection Act. Jay Johnson, former DHS Secretary, shares insights on de-escalation tactics and critiques current practices. The conversation includes community responses to protests, the impact of ICE tactics on daily life, and the wider implications of federal actions. Tension runs high as calls for calm clash with the urgency of federal intervention.
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Tactical Federal Response Escalated Tensions
- Minneapolis erupted into clashes after a second federal-agent shooting, with tear gas and flashbangs used amid chaotic night scenes.
- Andrew McCabe and Whitney Wilde said federal tactics and small tactical teams escalated tensions rather than controlled crowds.
Reduce Tactical Posture To Deescalate
- Invoke de-escalation: McCabe urged pulling back aggressive ICE tactics and using less militarized approaches to lower street violence.
- He said the government could "turn that off" by changing operational posture and reducing heavy weapon presence.
DHS Frames Operations As Lawful Justification
- Kristi Noem framed ICE operations as lawful and defended continued deployments while discussing the Insurrection Act with the president.
- Officials used criminal-fraud claims and broad rhetoric to justify sustained federal presence.