MINNEAPOLIS – The Trump administration is recalibrating its immigration enforcement strategy in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a second U.S. citizen by federal officers, a development that has ignited widespread public fury and political condemnation.
In a significant operational shift, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is departing the city amid escalating tensions. His replacement, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, will now lead on-the-ground efforts. This move signals a potential de-escalation after Saturday’s shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was filming agents during a raid, resulted in his death from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Department of Homeland Security maintains that agents acted in self-defense, claiming Pretti resisted disarmament while possessing a handgun. This account has been vehemently disputed by eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family, who assert he was holding a mobile phone, not a weapon. His parents have publicly accused the administration of propagating ‘sickening lies’ about the incident.
Commander Bovino had become a polarizing figure prior to the shooting, actively promoting the administration’s hardline approach through social media videos of raids. His inflammatory remarks following Pretti’s death—claiming the victim intended to ‘massacre’ federal agents—further intensified community outrage.
The shooting marks the second fatal encounter in weeks, following the January 7th killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents. With over 3,000 immigration personnel currently deployed in the city, residents report living in a state of fear. ‘People aren’t able to work right now, they aren’t able to leave their house, they’re afraid,’ testified George Cordero, a St. Paul resident.
In a potential breakthrough, President Trump held discussions with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey—both Democratic critics of the immigration crackdown. The conversations, described as positive by all parties, explored pathways to reduce federal presence and ensure an independent state investigation into Pretti’s death.
Meanwhile, public demonstrations and memorials for Pretti continued throughout Monday, with additional vigils planned amid growing calls for accountability and policy reform.