Trump restricts DHS intervention during protests in Democratic cities, yet ICE and Border Patrol will be “very forceful” in safeguarding federal property
The President said on Saturday that he has told Homeland Security Secretary not to get involved in protests happening in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities request federal assistance amid [the situation].
On his social media platform, Trump posted that “under no conditions are we going to take part in the various poorly managed Democrat cities regarding their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help.”
He didn’t give more details on how his order would impact the operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and DHS personnel, or other federal agencies, but added: “We will, however, guard, and very forcefully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists.”
Trump stated that in addition to his instructions to Noem, he had directed “ICE and/or Border Patrol to be very forceful in protecting Federal Government Property.”
Later on Saturday night, Trump told reporters as he flew to Florida for the weekend that he feels Democratic cities are “always complaining.”
“If they want help, they have to ask for it. Because if we go in, all they do is complain,” Trump said.
He predicted that those cities would need help, but said that if the leaders of those cities seek it from the federal government, “They have to say, ‘Please.’”
The Trump administration has already sent the National Guard, or federal law enforcement officials, to several Democratic areas, including Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. But Saturday’s order comes as opposition to such tactics has increased, especially in [the area].
Trump said on Saturday night that protesters who “do anything bad” to immigration officers and other federal law enforcement “will have to suffer” and “will be dealt with in at least an equal manner.”
“You see the way they treat our people. And I said, you’re allowed, if somebody does that, you can do something back. You’re not going to stand there and take it if somebody spits in your face,” Trump said.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul have challenged a federal immigration enforcement increase in those cities, arguing that DHS is violating constitutional protections.
A federal judge [is handling] enforcement operations as the [case] progresses. State and local officials had asked for a quick order to stop the enforcement action or limit its scope. Justice Department lawyers have called the lawsuit “legally frivolous.”
The state, particularly Minneapolis, has been tense after federal officers fatally shot two people in the city: [person] on Jan. 7 and [person]. Thousands of people have [come out] to protest the federal action in Minnesota and across the country.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, [said] the administration could reduce the number of [officers] in Minnesota — but only if state and local officials cooperate. Trump sent Homan to Minneapolis after the killings of Good and Pretti, seemingly indicating a willingness to ease tensions in Minnesota.
The president said on Saturday night that he intended to talk to Homan and Noem on Sunday and he seemed to support the idea of immigration agents wearing body cameras or having their interactions filmed.
Trump was asked by a reporter if he thought it was a good thing to have many cameras recording incidents with law enforcement.
“I think it would help law enforcement but I’d have to talk to them,” Trump said.
He continued and added: “That works both ways. But overall, I think it’s 80% in favor of law enforcement.”