Trump vows not to help blue cities with riots, instructs ICE and Border Patrol to protect federal property
Trump warns cities to say 'please' if they want federal help
By Alexandra Koch Fox News
Published January 31, 2026 4:33pm EST
President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the government will not assist blue cities with ongoing anti-immigration enforcement riots unless help is requested, adding he has instructed ICE and Border Patrol to be "very forceful" in the protection of federal property.
"I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat Cities with regard to their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
He clarified the federal government will, however, "guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists."
Aerial view of anti-ICE agitators rioting Friday in Los Angeles. (KTTV)
"Please be aware that I have instructed ICE and/or Border Patrol to be very forceful in this protection of Federal Government Property," the president wrote. "There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers, there will be no punching or kicking the headlights of our cars, and there will be no rock or brick throwing at our vehicles, or at our Patriot Warriors. If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence."
It is unclear if the phrase "equal, or more, consequence" refers to criminal charges.
Trump said the statement serves as notice to local governments that they must protect their own state and local property, and are obligated to protect federal property, including buildings and parks.
more
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-vows-not-help-blue-cities-riots-instructs-ice-border-patrol-protect-federal-property
