WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities seek federal assistance. This directive comes amid an increasing wave of criticism concerning his administration's strict immigration enforcement policies.
On his social media platform, Trump emphasized, 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.
While Trump’s directive lacks detail regarding its specific execution by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, he reiterated that federal buildings under threat would receive significant protection. 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, he added.
In addition, Trump instructed ICE and Border Patrol to adopt a forceful stance in safeguarding federal properties. This comes at a time when the Trump administration has previously deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement across cities like Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland in response to civil unrest, with Minneapolis being a focal point of burgeoning tension.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul have openly contested the federal immigration enforcement surge in their cities, arguing that the actions of the Department of Homeland Security breach constitutional protections. A federal judge has recently affirmed that enforcement operations could proceed despite ongoing lawsuits seeking to curtail them.
The situation has escalated further following the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal officers in Minneapolis, prompting widespread demonstrations against the federal crackdown. Thousands have rallied in response to the administration's tactics, both within Minnesota and in cities nationwide.
Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, hinted that the government could potentially reduce the number of immigration officers in Minnesota, contingent upon cooperation from local officials. In a signal aimed at ameliorating tensions, Trump dispatched Homan to Minneapolis after the tragic incidents involving federal gunfire. Local authorities continue to seek ways to limit federal intervention as public outcry persists.
