President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities specifically ask for federal assistance. In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump stated that "under no circumstances" will the federal government participate in managing protests and riots in these cities unless they request help.
However, Trump did indicate that federal agents would be deployed to protect federal buildings under attack, adding that ICE and Border Patrol personnel will be "very forceful" in guarding such properties. This comes as the administration has already deployed National Guard troops or federal law enforcement officials in several Democratic-led cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
The latest directive follows mounting criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, particularly in Minnesota where protests have turned violent following the fatal shootings of two people by federal officers. The state's Attorney General Keith Ellison and mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul have challenged the surge in federal immigration enforcement, arguing that it violates constitutional protections.
A federal judge has dismissed a request to halt enforcement operations, citing that the lawsuit would proceed while the court decides on its merits. Justice Department lawyers have described the case as "legally frivolous." Trump's border czar Tom Homan had previously suggested that reducing immigration enforcement presence in Minnesota could be an option if state and local officials cooperate.
The tension has been high in Minneapolis, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets demanding justice for the victims and criticizing federal intervention. Trump's actions seem to signal a willingness to ease tensions, but many are left questioning whether this will ultimately lead to real change or further exacerbate the situation.
However, Trump did indicate that federal agents would be deployed to protect federal buildings under attack, adding that ICE and Border Patrol personnel will be "very forceful" in guarding such properties. This comes as the administration has already deployed National Guard troops or federal law enforcement officials in several Democratic-led cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
The latest directive follows mounting criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, particularly in Minnesota where protests have turned violent following the fatal shootings of two people by federal officers. The state's Attorney General Keith Ellison and mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul have challenged the surge in federal immigration enforcement, arguing that it violates constitutional protections.
A federal judge has dismissed a request to halt enforcement operations, citing that the lawsuit would proceed while the court decides on its merits. Justice Department lawyers have described the case as "legally frivolous." Trump's border czar Tom Homan had previously suggested that reducing immigration enforcement presence in Minnesota could be an option if state and local officials cooperate.
The tension has been high in Minneapolis, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets demanding justice for the victims and criticizing federal intervention. Trump's actions seem to signal a willingness to ease tensions, but many are left questioning whether this will ultimately lead to real change or further exacerbate the situation.
. I mean, he's trying to show that he's not going to get involved in local politics, you know? And it's not like he's saying the protests are a bad thing or anything... just that the federal government shouldn't interfere unless it's really needed, right? 
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We need genuine dialogue and meaningful change, not just PR spin. And what's with all these protests in cities led by Democrats? Are we creating a sense of Us vs Them? 
It's like we're forgetting that we're all human beings, deserving of dignity and respect...
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. I mean, we've got protests turning violent and federal agents just walking in with guns drawn, like they own the place 
. It's all so intense and unpredictable. Trump's statement on Saturday was a total mixed bag – he's basically saying no to federal intervention unless asked for help, but then says he'll protect federal buildings... it's all so confusing 
. And what about the people on the ground, demanding justice for those two victims? Do we really need Trump's approval to take a stand against injustice? 
Trump's tweet about not intervening unless asked seems kinda insincere, you know? Like, what if someone asks for help but he just decides to ignore them? 
. Maybe he's finally realized that things are getting out of hand and wants to calm the situation.
. So yeah, I'll believe it when I see it 
. Until then, I'm going to remain super skeptical 
Trump really thinks he can just tell Homeland Security what to do and they'll be like "okay boss" 
meanwhile thousands of people in Minneapolis are out protesting for justice and no one's doing anything about it 
it's all so messed up and I'm not sure if this is even going to make a difference or just another way for Trump to try and control the narrative 