President Donald J. Trump issued a firm directive regarding federal involvement in ongoing protests and unrest tied to immigration enforcement operations, emphasizing a hands-off approach toward cities led by Democrats unless explicitly requested.

In the statement, Trump announced that he has directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to refrain from participating in protests or riots in what he described as poorly run Democrat cities unless local authorities formally seek assistance. He stressed that such requests must include the word “please.” The president made clear that federal forces will nonetheless provide robust protection for federal property, directing ICE and Border Patrol to act forcefully against any threats.

I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that 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. We will, however, guard, and very…

— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 31, 2026

Trump outlined strict boundaries for acceptable conduct during demonstrations. He warned that actions such as spitting in the faces of officers, punching or kicking vehicle headlights, or throwing rocks or bricks at vehicles or personnel will not be tolerated. Those responsible, he stated, will face equal or more severe consequences.

The post referenced a recent incident in Eugene, Oregon, where individuals broke into a federal building, causing significant damage and intimidating employees while local police did not intervene. Trump contrasted this with an earlier event in Los Angeles at the end of the prior administration, where federal assistance helped quell riots, prompting the police chief to credit the support.

He reiterated that local and state governments bear primary responsibility for protecting their own property as well as federal assets, including buildings, parks, and other facilities. Federal intervention, he explained, serves only as a backup when locals request it and prove unable to manage agitators, insurrectionists, or anarchists. In such cases, federal response will be methodical and effective, drawing on past successes.

Trump underscored his administration’s core priorities, noting that he was elected on promises of border control—now perfected—national security, and law and order. He affirmed that these commitments are being fulfilled in response to what Americans demand.

The statement arrives amid heightened tensions following fatal encounters involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. On January 7, an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, during an operation in a residential area. Later, on January 24, Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and VA employee, in another incident that sparked widespread protests. These events have fueled demonstrations nationwide, including actions targeting federal buildings, as communities express outrage over enforcement tactics.

Trump’s guidance signals a deliberate strategy to limit federal entanglement in local unrest while prioritizing the safeguarding of government installations. He concluded by thanking readers for their attention and reinforcing the message that federal forces, including ICE, Border Patrol, or the military if needed, will act with extreme resolve to prevent damage to courthouses, federal buildings, or any protected property.