Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Trump warns federal intervention in protests contingent on requests
President Donald Trump said that federal authorities will not get involved in protests or riots in cities run by Democrats unless those cities ask for help.
He said that federal agencies will protect federal buildings and other government property.
Trump mentioned that if local governments can't control the unrest, federal forces will step in, but only after a formal request.
He also said that the military might be used if necessary.
There have been protests in Minnesota after federal immigration officers were sent there, and local leaders want the federal agents to leave, saying they make things worse.
A judge recently decided not to stop the federal agents from being in Minnesota.
Trump warned federal authorities will not intervene in protests in Democratic cities unless requested.
Federal agencies will protect federal buildings and government assets aggressively.
ICE and US Border Patrol instructed to be forceful in protecting federal property.
Local governments are responsible for protecting their own property, with federal backup upon request.
Trump raised the possibility of deploying the military if necessary for protection.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, local officials in Democratic cities
- What
- Trump's warning about federal intervention in protests unless requested, and the deployment of federal officers to Minneapolis
- When
- February 1, 2021
- Where
- Democratic-run cities, Minneapolis, Eugene (Oregon)
- Why
- To protect federal property and maintain law and order, according to Trump; local officials argue federal intervention escalates tensions
- Date
- February 1, 2021
- President
- Donald Trump
- Agencies Involved
- Homeland Security, ICE, US Border Patrol
- Protest Locations
- Democratic-run cities, Minneapolis, Eugene (Oregon)
- Federal Property
- Courthouses, federal buildings, government assets
- Federal Deployment
- Around 3,000 officers in Minneapolis
- Local Officials' Stance
- Disputed necessity of federal intervention
