Trump Instructs Homeland Security to Avoid Intervening in Democratic-Led Cities

President says federal forces will only assist if local authorities request help amid protests and riots.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump announced that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats, unless local authorities request federal assistance. Trump said he has directed ICE and Border Patrol to protect federal government property, but will not participate in the 'poorly run' cities' protests and riots unless asked to do so.

Why it matters

This order comes amid growing criticism of the Trump administration's use of federal law enforcement in Democratic-led cities to crack down on protests. State and local officials have challenged these tactics, arguing they violate constitutional protections.

The details

Trump said he will not allow federal agencies like ICE and Border Patrol to participate in protests and riots in Democratic-led cities, unless local authorities request help. However, he stated that federal forces will 'very powerfully' guard any attacked federal buildings. The administration has already deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement in cities like Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon.

  • On January 31, 2026, President Trump made the announcement on his social media platform.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security.

Keith Ellison

The Attorney General of Minnesota.

Tom Homan

The Trump administration's border czar.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The administration's order could impact ongoing protests and federal enforcement actions in Democratic-led cities, particularly in Minnesota where state and local officials have challenged the federal presence.

The takeaway

This decision reflects the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic-led cities, as the president seeks to assert federal authority while also avoiding direct confrontation with local authorities unless they request assistance.