Minneapolis is witnessing the withdrawal of certain federal border enforcement personnel following two fatal protester shootings that have ignited nationwide condemnation and placed President Trump’s immigration policies under unprecedented scrutiny. The anticipated departure of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, recognized for his militarized approach to immigration enforcement, coincides with the arrival of new White House envoy Tom Homan, who is tasked with deescalating tensions through improved communication with local officials.
The crisis reached a critical point when 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot multiple times at point-blank range during an altercation with federal agents on an icy road this past Saturday. This incident occurred less than three weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Good—a mother of three—was similarly killed inside her vehicle on January 7th. Both shootings involved masked, heavily armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents operating under Trump’s aggressive deportation initiative.
Initially, administration officials falsely characterized Pretti as a ‘domestic terrorist’ intending to harm federal agents, claims that were visibly contradicted by multiple video recordings. Although President Trump initially amplified these allegations on social media, he subsequently adopted a more conciliatory stance as political backlash intensified.
The repercussions have extended to Washington, where rare bipartisan criticism has emerged. Republican Senator Rand Paul called for the immediate administrative leave of agents involved in Pretti’s shooting, while centrist Democratic Senator John Fetterman demanded the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing gross incompetence.
Meanwhile, Minneapolis protesters braving sub-zero temperatures expressed cautious relief at the partial withdrawal of federal forces. Local demonstrators described months of community trauma and brutality, viewing the reduced presence as both a vindication of their protests and a welcome relief from sustained violence.
Simultaneously, legal challenges are progressing through Minnesota courts. A federal judge is considering whether the deployment of federal officers violates state sovereignty, and ICE’s acting director has been ordered to appear in court regarding a detention challenge.