President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to deploy federal assistance to protests in cities under Democratic leadership unless those cities formally request such aid. He conveyed this directive through his social media platform, declaring unequivocally that federal authorities will refrain from involvement in what he described as "poorly run Democrat Cities" facing protests or riots, except where local government solicits help.
Although Trump did not elaborate on how this guidance would influence the activities and operations of U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, or other federal entities, he stressed the commitment to vigorous defense of federal buildings. He referenced individuals attacking these facilities as "highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists" and promised strong protection measures.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that he had instructed ICE and Border Patrol to adopt a forceful stance in safeguarding federal properties. This development follows an administration pattern of deploying National Guard members and federal law enforcement agents to Democratic-led metropolitan areas such as Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon.
However, the directive comes amid rising political opposition and public disapproval of these enforcement tactics, particularly in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area of Minnesota. The state's Attorney General, Keith Ellison, along with the mayors of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, have contested the federal immigration enforcement escalation, asserting that it infringes upon constitutional rights.
A federal judge has thus far declined to issue an injunction against the ongoing enforcement operations as litigation proceeds, despite appeals from state and local officials seeking an immediate halt or restriction to these actions. The Department of Justice, representing federal interests, has characterized the lawsuit as "legally frivolous."
The situation in Minnesota has been tense, exacerbated by recent fatalities involving federal officers shooting two individuals: Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. These incidents have prompted demonstrations both locally and nationwide against federal immigration enforcement intensification.
In response to these developments, Trump dispatched Border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis. Homan’s mission reportedly includes the possibility of scaling back immigration enforcement resources in Minnesota, contingent upon cooperative engagement from state and municipal authorities.