Following two fatal shootings by federal immigration officers that have ignited national outrage, President Donald Trump announced his administration would scale back operations in Minnesota. The President characterized both incidents as “terrible” during a Fox News interview, marking a significant shift in tone regarding immigration enforcement.
The controversy centers on the deaths of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a veterans’ hospital, and Renee Good, 37, who were fatally shot during separate encounters with immigration authorities in early January. Pretti’s death during a traffic stop this past weekend triggered renewed protests and drew bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, creating mounting pressure on federal authorities.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reassigned Minnesota mission leader Gregory Bovino and deployed border tsar Tom Homan to assume control. Homan is scheduled to meet with local officials this week as the administration seeks to calm tensions.
Contradictory narratives have emerged regarding Pretti’s shooting. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asserted that Pretti was “brandishing” a firearm and accused him of “domestic terrorism,” claiming he intended to “perpetuate violence” rather than protest peacefully. However, local authorities confirmed Pretti’s gun was legally registered, and eyewitnesses challenged the official account, stating he was holding a phone, not a weapon, when shot.
Despite announcing de-escalation, President Trump defended the overall Minnesota operation, citing the removal of “thousands of hardened criminals” and referencing a Harvard Harris poll suggesting 80% public support for deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes.
The shootings have prompted calls for investigation from Republican officials including Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts, who described the situation as “horrifying” while maintaining his support for ICE funding. A federal judge has issued an order blocking DHS from destroying or altering evidence related to the incidents.