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, amid criticism over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics. Trump warned there would be “no spitting in the faces of our Officers,” along with attacks on law enforcement vehicles or damage to federal property, promising “equal, or more, consequence” for those who do. Trump also said local and state governments are responsible for protecting their own property, along with federal property, with the federal government serving as a backstop. Pressed by reporters later Saturday on what he meant by that, Trump promised an aggressive federal response to protect government property. The president’s comments come as demonstrations are expected throughout the weekend and after a nationwide strike in protest of the federal immigration enforcement crackdown Friday.

Source: CNN January 31, 2026 21:39 UTC