Trump Announces “De-escalation” in Minnesota Following Alex Pretti Shooting

Trump signals partial de-escalation in Minnesota federal immigration operations following Alex Pretti shooting, amid public protests and scrutiny.

Minnesota Immigration Operations Under Fire

Earlier this month, Renee Good, a Minnesota resident, was fatally shot by a federal immigration officer. Days later, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was also killed during an encounter with Border Patrol agents. Both incidents triggered nationwide protests and raised questions about the scope and conduct of federal immigration operations in Minneapolis.

Following Pretti’s death, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described him as a “domestic terrorist” and claimed agents acted in self-defense. However, local authorities and eyewitness accounts challenge that narrative, asserting Pretti held a phone, not a weapon, when he was shot. A preliminary Customs and Border Protection report also appears to contradict DHS’s initial account.

Trump’s Remarks and Administration Response

Speaking to reporters ahead of an Iowa rally, President Trump characterized the Pretti shooting as a “very unfortunate incident” and promised a reduction in federal presence. “Bottom line, it was terrible. Both of them were terrible,” Trump said. He emphasized that the administration would “de-escalate” operations in Minnesota while maintaining efforts to remove “hardened criminals” from the state.

Trump also defended the Minnesota mission, noting that the operation had successfully detained thousands of criminals and cited positive crime statistics. “That’s all working out. We have Tom Homan there now,” he said, referencing the White House border czar recently deployed to lead immigration operations in Minnesota.

Federal and State Coordination

Tom Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement to discuss ongoing operations and public safety concerns. Governor Walz reiterated the need for impartial investigations into the shootings and requested a reduction in federal personnel. Mayor Frey emphasized that public safety is best maintained through community trust rather than aggressive federal tactics.

The Trump administration insists it is not pulling back but restructuring the leadership of immigration enforcement, replacing Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino with Homan. Stephen Miller, a top White House aide, stated that federal teams are now following protocols to protect both officers and the public during operations.

Public and Political Reaction

The deaths of Good and Pretti have drawn criticism from lawmakers across party lines. Several Republican leaders, including Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, called for a transparent federal investigation into Pretti’s shooting. Federal judges have intervened to prevent DHS from destroying or altering evidence. Meanwhile, protests continue across Minneapolis demanding accountability and a reduction of federal immigration agents in the city.

De-escalation or Reorganization?

Trump’s remarks signal a partial scaling back or reorganization of federal immigration operations in Minnesota amid mounting public scrutiny. While the administration stresses safety and enforcement priorities, local officials continue to advocate for transparency, community trust, and accountability. The situation remains closely watched as federal and state authorities navigate the fallout from these high-profile incidents.