Trump orders DHS not to participate in protests in Democratic-led cities ‘until they ask us for help’

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) directed the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not to intervene in “protests and/or riots” in Democratic-led cities unless local authorities formally request federal assistance, amid mounting criticism over his administration’s use of aggressive immigration enforcement measures.

In a detailed post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “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 emphasised that while federal agencies would not proactively intervene, they would continue to protect federal buildings and property. “We will, however, guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists. Please be aware that I have instructed ICE and/or Border Patrol to be very forceful in this protection of Federal Government Property,” his post added.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 02:55 PM EST 01.31.26

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…

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 31, 2026

According to CNN, the announcement follows days after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, which have reshaped the national debate on immigration enforcement and appear to have influenced a recent shift in tone from the White House.

The US President further criticised local authorities for failing to contain recent incidents, citing a break-in at a federal building in Eugene, Oregon, and referring to previous federal intervention during the Los Angeles riots. He stressed that local governments are primarily responsible for protecting state, local, and federal properties, and federal support would be provided only upon request.

“It is your obligation to also protect our Federal Property, Buildings, Parks, and everything else. We are there to protect Federal Property, only as a back up, in that it is Local and State Responsibility to do so. Last night in Eugene, Oregon, these criminals broke into a Federal Building, and did great damage, also scaring and harassing the hardworking employees. Local Police did nothing in order to stop it. We will not let that happen anymore!” he wrote in his post.

“Therefore, to all complaining Local Governments, Governors, and Mayors, let us know when you are ready, and we will be there — But, before we do so, you must use the word ‘PLEASE’,” he added.

However, local authorities in Eugene, Oregon, rejected the president’s account, stating that police did respond to the incident, as CNN reported. In a statement issued late Friday, the Eugene Police Department said the situation at the federal building was declared a riot, after which officers ordered individuals to disperse following breaches at the building’s entry points.

Trump has also warned that he could invoke the Insurrection Act, a law that grants the president sweeping authority to deploy the military to quell domestic unrest.

“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. We will not allow our Courthouses, Federal Buildings, or anything else under our protection, to be damaged in any way, shape, or form,” Trump stated.

His remarks come amid expectations of widespread demonstrations over the weekend, following a nationwide strike held on Friday to protest the federal government’s immigration enforcement crackdown. (ANI)