President Donald Trump of the United States issued a stern warning on Friday to anyone who might target immigration officers or federal government properties.
Through a post on his official Truth Social account, Trump emphasized that federal forces would be "extremely powerful and tough" in protecting the buildings under their jurisdiction.
Trump stated that he had directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ensure that ICE and the Border Patrol respond "forcefully" to any aggression. He further noted that his administration would not interfere in what he described as "poorly managed Democratic cities" unless local authorities formally request assistance.
"We will not allow our officers to be disrespected, nor will we tolerate stones or bricks being hurled at our vehicles," the president declared. "Those who engage in such actions will face equal or greater consequences," he warned.
As an illustration, the president pointed to the unrest that took place the previous night in Eugene, Oregon, where, according to him, protesters stormed a federal building and intimidated its staff.
He criticized the local police for allegedly "doing nothing" to prevent these incidents and assured that such situations would not be tolerated again.
"We were elected on a platform of border control, national security, and law and order. This is what America desires, and this is what it is receiving," Trump asserted in his message.
The president reiterated that state and municipal governments are responsible for protecting both their own infrastructure and federal property, and that federal forces will only provide support "when requested."
These actions occur amidst a national outcry over ICE's activities, with its agents having recently killed two residents in Minneapolis during anti-immigrant raids.
The administration has defended each of these fatalities and justified the actions of its agents.
Understanding Trump's Immigration Enforcement Stance
What did Trump say about the protection of federal buildings?
Trump emphasized that federal forces would be "extremely powerful and tough" in defending buildings under their jurisdiction.
How did Trump respond to the unrest in Eugene, Oregon?
Trump cited the unrest in Eugene, Oregon, as an example of what he would not tolerate, criticizing the local police for inaction and asserting that such situations would not happen again.
What is the administration's stance on recent ICE actions?
The administration has defended the actions of ICE agents, justifying the recent fatalities during anti-immigrant raids in Minneapolis.