Trump limits federal protest intervention to protect federal property, following deadly enforcement in Minneapolis.

President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to refrain from intervening in protests in Democratic-led cities unless local authorities request help or federal property is threatened. The directive, issued on January 31, 2026, directs ICE and Border Patrol to protect federal buildings forcefully but limits proactive federal involvement. The move follows heightened tensions after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges from state and local leaders who argue the actions violate constitutional rights. A federal judge has rejected efforts to halt the operations. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has suggested reducing enforcement in Minnesota if local cooperation improves.