2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 07:32 IST
Trump said state and local governments must protect their own property and also safeguard federal buildings, parks and facilities.
US President Donald Trump (File photo)
US President Donald Trump said he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that the federal government will not take part in handling protests or riots in “Democrat-run cities" unless local authorities ask for help.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said federal forces would “guard, and very powerfully so" any federal buildings attacked by what he called “Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists". He added that he had told ICE and Border Patrol to be “very forceful" in protecting federal government property.
Trump said state and local governments must protect their own property and also safeguard federal buildings, parks and facilities. He said the federal government would act only as a backup.
Referring to an incident in Eugene, Oregon, Trump said criminals broke into a federal building, caused damage and scared employees, while local police “did nothing". He warned that such incidents would not be allowed to happen again.
Federal help only if requested
Trump said if local governments are unable to control what he called “Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Anarchists", federal forces would step in when asked. He referred to the Los Angeles riots a year ago, quoting a police chief who said federal help was crucial.
He told governors and mayors to ask for help using the word “please", and warned that ICE, Border Patrol or even the military would act strongly to protect federal property if required.
Protests across the United States
Trump’s post came as cities across the US saw widespread protests and a “national strike" on January 30 and 31, 2026, against his mass deportation policies.
Demonstrators raised slogans such as “no work, no school, no shopping". The protests were sparked by the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti on January 24 and Renée Good on January 7 in Minneapolis during aggressive immigration raids.
Communities across the country have held “ICE Out" protests following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good, who were shot by federal immigration agents.
Protesters say they are opposing the surge in immigration enforcement actions carried out under Trump’s policies.
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
A newsletter with the best of our journalism
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
February 01, 2026, 07:32 IST
News world ‘Say Please For Help’: Trump Says Federal Govt Won’t Handle Protests In Democrat-Run Cities
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
