President Donald Trump suggested on October 16, 2025, that San Francisco could face deployment of federal troops, echoing earlier actions in Portland, Chicago, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. Trump claimed the city is “a mess” and argued that federal intervention is needed to protect residents from crime.

City and State Leaders Reject the Plan

San Francisco and California officials firmly opposed the move, calling it unnecessary, unwelcome, and authoritarian:

• Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized confidence in local law enforcement and ongoing crime reduction efforts.
• Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted a 22% decrease in violent crime in San Francisco in 2025, a 45% drop in homicides, and a 40% drop in robberies since 2019.
• District Attorney Brooke Jenkins noted that the city requests federal help only when needed.
• State Senator Scott Wiener stated, “No government officials here have requested federal occupation. Stay the hell out of San Francisco.”

Immigrant Rights Concerns

Advocates warned that deploying troops or escalating enforcement could create fear in immigrant communities, discouraging people from accessing hospitals or reporting crimes. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights stressed preparedness through rapid-response networks and “know your rights” sessions.

Background and Context

Trump’s comment comes amid ongoing criticism of Democratic-led cities, despite official crime data showing major reductions. Previous deployments in other cities coincided with aggressive immigration and law enforcement operations, often sparking protests.