WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he has mandated Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to refrain from interfering in protests occurring in cities controlled by Democrats, unless local officials specifically seek federal assistance, amidst rising criticism of the administration’s immigration policies.
On his social media platform, Trump declared, under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities in regard to their protests and/or riots unless, and until, they ask us for help. He provided few details regarding how this directive would affect operations by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement and personnel from DHS or other federal agencies, but asserted, 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.
Trump indicated that he has also instructed ICE and Border Patrol officers to protect federal properties vigorously.
The Trump administration has previously deployed the National Guard or federal law enforcement officials in a number of Democratic areas, including Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. However, within this context, Trump's latest directive arrives as opposition to these actions escalates, notably in Minnesota's Twin Cities region.
In response to federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison along with the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul have challenged these operations, asserting that DHS is infringing on constitutional protections. A federal judge has refused to halt enforcement operations while litigation proceeds, describing the lawsuit as legally frivolous..
The recent enforcement actions have caused significant unrest, particularly in Minneapolis, following the fatal shootings of individuals engaged in protests. Thousands have taken to the streets to object to the federal immigration actions throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Amidst these tensions, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has suggested that the administration could reduce the number of immigration enforcement officers present in Minnesota, contingent upon cooperation from local officials. This statement appears to signal a potential easing of tensions in the region as concern grows over public safety during these federal operations.
