Donald Trump’s administration faces increasing backlash regarding its militarized immigration tactics, particularly following the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis. This incident has sparked widespread opposition not just from community members, but also from dissenting lawmakers within his own Republican party, as well as looming court decisions.
In response to the situation, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced on Monday that the number of federal agents stationed in the city would begin to decrease starting Tuesday. This development coincides with a shift in tone from the White House, where press secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to Pretti’s death as a “tragedy,” distancing the administration from previous derogatory remarks made about him by adviser Stephen Miller.
During a press briefing, Trump noted that his team was reviewing the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death and revealed plans to send border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota for discussions. Frey expressed his intention to meet with Homan to explore further actions. Interestingly, Trump reported a productive phone call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has often been a target of the president’s criticism. Both officials appeared to agree on the necessity of reevaluating the current aggressive immigration enforcement measures, hinting at potential de-escalation.
Frey emphasized that the deployment known as Operation Metro Surge “needs to end,” and Trump acknowledged that maintaining the current level of federal presence “cannot continue.” Reports indicate that senior border patrol leader Gregory Bovino is expected to leave Minneapolis as part of the administration’s scaling back.
Community response to Pretti’s death has been marked by a mix of outrage and resilience. Vigils have sprung up, including a recent memorial filled with flowers and candles at the site of his shooting, where hundreds gathered to honor his memory through song. Local residents remain alert to immigration enforcement activities, rallying to support families in fear of deportation.
As the crisis deepens, it has prompted bipartisan concerns in Washington, with some Republicans calling for investigations into immigration enforcement practices following Pretti’s death. Congressional leaders, including the chair of the House homeland security committee Andrew Garbarino, are seeking testimony from key officials in immigration agencies, emphasizing the need for accountability.
While there are suggestions of resistance and criticism from lawmakers like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who supports border security yet champions the Second Amendment, Democrats are also taking a stand. They have indicated plans to withhold further funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless reforms are made to curb federal actions during deportation efforts.
Challenges remain, as tensions persist over how to address the controversy surrounding Homan’s involvement, amid allegations of past misconduct. The evolving situation reflects a broader struggle within both parties regarding immigration policy and law enforcement practices at a critical juncture in U.S. political discourse.