Help De-escalate Threats of the Insurrection Act Now

Prevent Military Action Against Immigrant Communities

The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to advance its immigration enforcement agenda—most recently in response to federal court decisions concerning the National Guard’s deployment in Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

If invoked, this act would allow the President to order the U.S. military to engage in domestic law enforcement, including making arrests, and to suspend the Posse Comitatus Act, a critical safeguard against military involvement in civilian affairs.

The Danger of Misuse

Why This Threat Matters

The President has frequently described cities targeted for immigration enforcement in apocalyptic terms, calling peaceful protests “insurrections.” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller even labeled unfavorable court decisions as a “legal insurrection.”

Federal raids under this approach have included:

• Use of military helicopters and chemical agents
• Zip-tying residents of targeted housing complexes
• Forced family separations
• Warrantless arrests and deportations of individuals with no ties to the countries they’re sent to

Local leaders and community members have spoken out against these human rights violations, but the threat of military escalation remains.

JRS/USA’s Position

Faith, Human Dignity, and the Rule of Law

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA recognizes the government’s authority to enforce immigration laws in cases involving serious crimes such as terrorism and human trafficking. However, we stand with Pope Leo XIII and others in opposing indiscriminate mass deportations—especially of individuals who pose no threat and who contribute positively to our communities.

We are deeply alarmed by threats to invoke the Insurrection Act as a means to accelerate these mass deportations. Such an action would represent a dangerous erosion of civil liberties and the misuse of military power.

Take Action

Urge Congress to Act Now

Join Jesuit Refugee Service/USA in urging your Members of Congress to:

• Oppose the invocation of the Insurrection Act of 1807
• Ensure immigration enforcement focuses only on genuine public safety and national security threats
• Protect the dignity and rights of all individuals residing in the United States