WASHINGTON
Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has ordered federal law enforcement agencies to stay away from city protests unless local authorities formally request their assistance, marking a sharp shift in how the federal government positions itself amid growing unrest in several Democratic-led cities.
The directive, announced through Trump’s social media platform and confirmed by administration officials, instructs the Department of Homeland Security to keep agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol out of street-level protest response. Trump said federal agents should not intervene in demonstrations, riots, or civil unrest in cities governed by Democratic leaders unless those officials specifically ask for federal help.
At the same time, Trump made clear that federal authorities would continue to defend federal buildings, courthouses, and other government property if they come under threat. He stressed that while the federal government will not “police city streets,” it will act decisively to protect national assets.
The order comes amid days of protests in Minneapolis and other cities following controversial immigration enforcement operations that sparked public anger and large demonstrations. In Minneapolis, tensions escalated after confrontations involving federal agents, leading to renewed debate over the role of federal forces in local jurisdictions. Demonstrations have since spread to other urban centers, with protesters calling for limits on federal immigration actions.
Trump’s move appears aimed at reducing friction between federal agents and local communities while shifting responsibility back to state and city governments. “Local leaders are responsible for their own cities,” Trump wrote, arguing that mayors and governors should handle public order unless they request federal assistance.
The announcement follows legal and political battles over federal enforcement. A federal judge recently declined to block an expansion of immigration operations in Minnesota, allowing them to continue despite objections from state officials. That decision intensified protests and sharpened criticism from Democratic leaders, who accused the administration of overstepping its authority and inflaming tensions.
Reaction to Trump’s order has been mixed. Some local officials welcomed the stance as a step toward de-escalation, saying federal involvement had made protests more volatile. Others remained skeptical, noting that the federal government still retains broad powers and could re-enter cities if circumstances change.
Civil rights groups cautiously praised the decision, arguing that reducing the visible presence of federal agents could lower the risk of violent clashes. However, they warned that continued immigration enforcement operations could still provoke unrest, regardless of whether agents appear at protests.
Republican allies defended the directive as a balanced approach, saying it respects local control while preserving the federal government’s right to protect its property. They argued the order shows restraint without surrendering authority.
The policy also revives long-standing debates over federalism and executive power. Past deployments of federal agents to cities during periods of unrest have drawn legal challenges and fierce political opposition, with critics saying such moves undermine local governance and civil liberties.
As protests continue in several cities, the effectiveness of Trump’s order will likely be tested. Whether local leaders seek federal assistance, and how federal agencies respond if unrest spreads or federal property is threatened, could determine the next phase of an already volatile national moment.
For now, Trump’s message is clear: the streets belong to the cities, but Washington is watching closely.
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