President Donald J. Trump declared that the federal government will not intervene in protests or riots in Democratic-led cities unless local officials explicitly request help, while pledging forceful protection of federal property amid escalating demonstrations against immigration enforcement.
“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,” Trump wrote Saturday. He added that federal forces will nonetheless “guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists.”
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
The president directed ICE and Border Patrol to act forcefully in safeguarding government property, specifying that actions such as spitting in officers’ faces, punching or kicking vehicle headlights, or throwing rocks or bricks at vehicles or personnel will not be permitted. “If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence,” he stated.
Trump emphasized that local and state governments hold primary responsibility for protecting their own assets as well as federal ones, including buildings, parks, and other facilities. Federal involvement would serve only as a backup, activated only upon formal request. He referenced a past response to riots in Los Angeles at the end of the previous administration, where he said the police chief credited federal assistance, and noted that requests must include the word “please.”
The statement highlighted an incident Friday in Eugene, Oregon, where Trump claimed demonstrators broke into a federal building, caused great damage, and harassed employees while local police did nothing. “We will not let that happen anymore!” he wrote. Local authorities in Eugene disputed the characterization. The Eugene Police Department stated that the activity at the federal building was declared a riot around 6 p.m. on January 30 after breaches at entry points, with some protesters entering the building. Officers ordered the crowd to disperse and maintained a presence to de-escalate the situation. Federal agents later deployed tear gas as the unrest continued.
Trump warned of an aggressive response if federal property faces threats, stating that ICE, Border Patrol, or the military if necessary would act with extreme resolve. “Remember that I stated, in the strongest of language, to BEWARE — ICE, Border Patrol or, if necessary, our Military, will be extremely powerful and tough in the protection of our Federal Property,” he wrote. “We will not allow our Courthouses, Federal Buildings, or anything else under our protection, to be damaged in any way, shape, or form.”
The announcement follows deadly encounters involving federal agents in Minneapolis that have fueled nationwide protests and a general strike on Friday. On January 7, an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, during an enforcement operation. On January 24, Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and VA employee, amid demonstrations. These incidents have intensified criticism of enforcement tactics and prompted demonstrations targeting federal buildings in several cities.
In remarks to reporters Saturday night, Trump reiterated that cities, which he described as Democrat-run, must request assistance if needed, noting that federal intervention often leads to complaints. He reiterated his administration’s focus on border control, now described as perfected, national security, and law and order, affirming these priorities align with what Americans want and are receiving. Demonstrations are expected to continue over the weekend as the debate over federal roles in local unrest persists.
Reporter: How are feeling about Secretary Noem?
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 1, 2026
Trump: She’s done great pic.twitter.com/qhGjHcRI95
