Trump Orders Withdrawal of Federal Agents From Protests in Minneapolis

Trump withdraws federal agents

Immigration protests escalate tensions

Government protects federal buildings

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, ordered on Saturday the withdrawal of federal agents from demonstrations in Minneapolis and other cities governed by Democrats.

The instruction marks a tactical shift after weeks of protests against immigration raids and rising tensions between the federal government and local authorities.

Trump withdraws federal agents after pressure over deaths

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, ordered the withdrawal of federal agents from protests in Minneapolis and other Democratic-led cities following outrage over the deaths of two demonstrators. #LasNoticiasDeFORO con @juliosilvadc | #nmásforo | #SiempreEnVivo |… pic.twitter.com/yVBPKK8iLe

— N+ FORO (@nmasforo) February 1, 2026

Trump stated, however, that federal agents will continue to protect government-owned facilities across the country.

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The decision comes after strong national outrage over the deaths of two protesters during recent demonstrations in Minneapolis.

Both individuals were fatally shot by federal agents during protests against immigration enforcement operations in the state.

Withdrawal of agents from local protests

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of ICE personnel from protests against immigration raids in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the killing of two Americans by federal agents.
EFE
More at: https://t.co/BjdELZkpfR pic.twitter.com/gnKBcan1cS

— Joaquín López-Dóriga (@lopezdoriga) February 1, 2026

Trump announced the order through his social media platform Truth Social, where he explained the scope of the presidential decision.

“I have instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that under no circumstances will we participate in protests or riots,” Trump wrote.

The president clarified that the only exception would be if state or local governments formally request federal assistance.

With this order, Trump places direct responsibility for protest security in the hands of state and municipal authorities.

This includes crowd control and the protection of demonstrators, according to the president’s message.

The measure applies, Trump said, to “various poorly run Democratic cities,” without specifying additional locations.

The announcement comes amid sustained protests against the presence of federal immigration agents.

Minneapolis has been one of the main centers of mobilization in recent weeks.

Demonstrators have demanded the removal of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the state.

Firm protection of federal buildings

Breaking News | Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of ICE and Border Patrol agents from Minneapolis and other Democratic-governed cities, citing that they are “poorly managed.”
He instructed the Department of Homeland Security not to intervene in protests… pic.twitter.com/AoKdNQ5uZd

— Paola Rojas (@PaolaRojas) January 31, 2026

Despite the withdrawal of agents from protests, Trump emphasized that there will be no changes to the protection of federal property.

He said federal agents will defend all government buildings “with great firmness” if they are attacked.

The president used harsh language when referring to those involved in violent acts during protests.

He described them as “lunatics, agitators, and paid insurrectionists,” without providing further details.

Trump warned that assaults on federal officers or damage to official vehicles will not be tolerated.

“Spitting in the face of our officers will not be allowed,” he said.

Nor will punching, kicking, or attacks with stones or bricks against federal vehicles, he added.

Those who engage in such acts will face consequences “equal to or greater,” Trump warned.

The message aims to deter violence around federal buildings and personnel.

Operation Metro Surge and escalation in Minnesota

The crisis traces back to the launch of Operation Metro Surge last December.

The operation consists of a series of actions to arrest undocumented immigrants in Minnesota.

The state is governed by Democrats, which has fueled political clashes with the White House.

The raids have been rejected by local officials and thousands of demonstrators.

Protests have continued for weeks, with persistent calls for ICE to leave the state.

Tensions intensified after the deaths of two protesters during the demonstrations.

The victims were identified as Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

Both were 37 years old and U.S. citizens, according to available information.

Their deaths sparked outrage nationwide and broadened the scope of the protests.

Amid the confrontational climate, Trump removed the operational leadership in the area this week.

The president sent border czar Tom Homan with the stated goal of seeking “de-escalation.”

Despite that message, Trump has reiterated that immigration raids will continue.

The order to withdraw agents from protests aims to reduce immediate tensions.

However, the conflict between immigration enforcement and citizen protests remains unresolved despite the fact that Trump withdraws federal agents after the Minneapolis protests.