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President Trump Orders Federal Agents to Avoid Intervention in Democrat-Led Cities Amid Growing Immigration Tensions
President Donald Trump has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in Democrat-led cities unless local authorities explicitly request federal assistance, a move that comes amid mounting criticism of his administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
“Under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat Cities with regard to their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Saturday. The president added that federal forces would still “guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists.”
The directive represents a potential shift in federal tactics after weeks of controversial immigration operations across several major metropolitan areas. Trump’s order extends to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents, who he directed to be “very forceful in this protection of Federal Government Property.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump elaborated on his rationale, suggesting that Democratic city leaders are “always complaining” when federal forces intervene. “If they want help, they have to ask for it. Because if we go in, all they do is complain,” the president said, adding that when cities do eventually seek federal assistance, “They have to say, ‘Please.'”
The announcement comes at a particularly tense moment in Minneapolis-St. Paul, where federal immigration enforcement actions have sparked significant controversy. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, have filed a lawsuit challenging what they characterize as unconstitutional enforcement operations in the Twin Cities region.
A federal judge recently declined to immediately halt these operations while the lawsuit proceeds, with Justice Department lawyers dismissing the legal challenge as “legally frivolous.” Nevertheless, the situation in Minnesota has become increasingly volatile following the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal officers: Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. These incidents have triggered widespread protests both in Minnesota and across the country.
Despite the president’s new directive, the Trump administration has already deployed National Guard troops and federal law enforcement personnel to several Democratic-led jurisdictions, including Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. These deployments have faced criticism from local officials and civil liberties advocates who question their constitutionality and effectiveness.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, previously indicated the administration might be willing to reduce the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota—but only if state and local officials agree to cooperate with federal authorities. Trump dispatched Homan to Minneapolis following the fatal shootings, suggesting a potential willingness to de-escalate tensions in the region.
During his conversation with reporters, the president also appeared open to the idea of equipping immigration agents with body cameras or otherwise documenting their interactions. When asked if he thought having cameras present during law enforcement incidents was beneficial, Trump responded: “I think it would help law enforcement, but I’d have to talk to them.” He added that such measures “work both ways,” but estimated they would be “80% in favor of law enforcement.”
The president took a stern tone regarding protesters who confront federal officers, warning that those who “do anything bad” to immigration officers and other federal law enforcement personnel “will have to suffer” and “will get taken care of in at least an equal way.”
“You see it, the way they treat our people,” Trump continued. “And I said, you’re allowed, if somebody does that, you can do something back. You’re not going to stand there and take it if somebody spits in your face.”
Trump indicated he plans to speak with both Homan and Secretary Noem on Sunday to further discuss the situation and potential next steps for federal immigration enforcement activities across the country.
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6 Comments
Interesting move by Trump to scale back federal intervention in protests, unless local authorities request assistance. This could help ease tensions and allow cities to manage their own affairs, though it may also embolden some protesters if federal forces withdraw.
I’m curious to see how this plays out in practice. It could be a pragmatic approach, but some cities may still feel the need for federal backup.
Trump’s directive to protect federal property but avoid intervening in protests seems like a measured response, though I’m skeptical it will fully satisfy either side. Maintaining law and order is important, but so is respecting local governance.
This issue of federal vs. local control over protests is a delicate balance. It will be interesting to see how the administration navigates it going forward.
While I appreciate Trump’s desire to avoid heavy-handed federal involvement, I wonder if this move could embolden more extreme protesters who feel they can act with impunity. Protecting federal assets is necessary, but local authorities need to be able to maintain order as well.
You raise a fair point. This policy could backfire if it’s perceived as the federal government abdicating its responsibilities. Careful implementation will be crucial.