Slouching Towards Fort Sumter?

 Victor Davis Hanson discusses the similarities between Minnesota's current challenges with federal immigration law and the circumstances leading to the Civil War, particularly the conflict over states' rights and federal authority. The article posits that Minnesota's actions may mirror the defiance shown by states like South Carolina prior to the Civil War.

1. Historical Context: In the lead-up to the Civil War, there was significant division in the North regarding how to handle states that seceded. There were debates on whether to engage in war or let the Confederacy exist independently.

2. Michigan's Present Actions: Minnesota is presented as a modern analogy to South Carolina, now taking bold steps to challenge federal immigration laws. The state's decision to protect illegal immigrants contrasts with some people's belief that it should handle its own issues without federal interference.

3. Potential Consequences: There are concerns that if Minnesota continues its defiance, it might lead to a breakdown in federal authority. This is compared to Lincoln’s era, where the federal government had to assert its power to maintain the union.

4. Public Sentiment: Interactions with the federal immigration enforcement agency, ICE, have sparked debates within Minnesota, with some residents feeling alienated by state policies that prioritize protecting illegal immigrants.

5. Political Climate: The current Minnesota state officials, including Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, have issued instructions to local police not to assist federal immigration officers, raising concerns about the safety and legality of these measures.

6. Democratic Strategy: The state leadership seems to be banking on turmoil and conflict to undermine the Trump administration’s popularity, viewing a chaotic atmosphere as beneficial for their cause.

7. Public Opinion on Immigration: The public appears divided; while many want stricter immigration enforcement, they also prefer the process to be unobtrusive, suggesting that any actions taken should not be in the public eye.

8. Comparative Politics: The article draws a parallel between Minnesota’s policies and historical actions taken against federal law, suggesting an ideological follow-through from past movements for states’ rights.

The article presents a worrying view of Minnesota's actions relating to federal immigration law, indicating a historical pattern of defiance reminiscent of pre-Civil War tensions. It implies that Minnesota’s challenges and the corresponding political responses could have significant implications for the nation's handling of immigration and federal authority. The impending decisions by the Trump administration on how to engage with Minnesota and its leaders will be critical for the direction of federal law enforcement in the state and potentially across the nation. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/29/slouching-towards-fort-sumter/