Trump says federal government won’t step into protests in Democratic-led cities ‘until they ask us for help’
Amid criticism of the feds’ heavy-handed tactics to enforce immigration, President Donald Trump said he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests or unrest in Democratic-led cities unless local officials formally request assistance.
“I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem that under no circumstances will we participate in the Protests and/or Riots of the various poorly run Democrat Cities unless and until they ask for our assistance,” Trump said. Wrote at Truth Social Saturday.
“However, we will very vigorously defend any Federal Buildings that are attacked by these highly paid Crazies, Agitators and Insurrectionists,” he added.
CNN has reached out to the White House and Department of Homeland Security for more details on Trump’s announcement.
The announcement came following the murder of Alex Pretti. Renee Good in Minneapolis that has transformed the national debate over immigration enforcement and appears to made a change in tone From the White House recently.
Trump warned that “our cops will not be spit on,” along with attacks on law enforcement or destruction of federal property, and promised “equal or greater consequences” to those who do so. Trump also said that local and state governments are responsible for protecting their own property as well as federal property, and that the federal government serves as a backup.
The president cited an incident in Oregon in which he claimed demonstrators entered a federal building, damaged property and harassed employees, but local police failed to intervene. “We won’t allow this anymore!” Trump wrote.
But local officials in Eugene, Oregon, disputed the president’s characterization, saying police intervened.
One expression In a statement released Friday night, the Eugene Police Department said activity at the federal building was declared a riot and officers ordered people to leave the area following violations at entry points.
“Some protesters entered the building and went inside. There were also civilian personnel inside,” Eugene police said. “The presence of the Eugene Police is an attempt to de-escalate tensions.”
Trump said federal aid would be provided quickly if requested, but states should use the word “please.”
“Remember that I stated in the strongest language, CAUTION, that ICE, Border Patrol or, if necessary, our Military will be extremely strong and tough in protecting our Federal Property,” Trump wrote.
Trump is also threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act, which gives the president the right to the presidency. Extraordinary powers to dispatch the army To quell domestic unrest.
The president’s comments come as demonstrations are expected over the weekend and beyond nationwide strike Friday to protest a crackdown on federal immigration enforcement.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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