President Donald Trump ordered major changes to the federal immigration operation in Minnesota after a Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, in Minneapolis. The shooting marked the second deadly incident involving federal agents in the city and sparked widespread public and political backlash. Videos shared online contradicted early statements from senior administration officials who claimed Pretti threatened law enforcement. As criticism intensified — including from members of Trump’s own party — the White House acknowledged the need to adjust its approach.
Following the killing of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti, the Trump administration reshuffles leadership, reduces federal presence in Minneapolis, and shifts tone amid bipartisan backlash.
Trump removed Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino from leading the Minneapolis operation and appointed border enforcement official Tom Homan to take charge. Administration officials also confirmed plans to reduce the number of federal agents in the city, where their presence had significantly outnumbered local police. White House officials distanced the president from comments by top advisers who labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist.” Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump wants investigators to determine the facts before reaching conclusions.
The president also reset relations with Minnesota’s Democratic leadership. He held phone conversations with Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, describing the discussions as productive. Trump signaled openness to allowing state officials to conduct independent investigations into the shooting.
While the administration continues to prioritize immigration enforcement, advisers said it will now place greater emphasis on fraud investigations and reduce high-visibility enforcement tactics that have fueled unrest. Congressional Republicans welcomed the leadership change, citing concerns about public perception and the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reflected the shift in tone by softening its public messaging and highlighting community assistance efforts rather than arrests.
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