Trump’s immigration enforcer at the heart of crackdown is leaving Minneapolis.

A top U.S. immigration official will leave Minneapolis, signaling a possible shift in White House strategy after recent deadly shootings. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and several agents will depart as “border tsar” Tom Homan assumes leadership in Minneapolis. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday has increased local tensions, raising concerns about federal immigration enforcement methods.
President Trump’s decision may signal a scaling back of aggressive immigration actions, though online tracking shows raids are still ongoing. Residents and local officials are closely watching changes, hoping the city can stabilize after high-profile federal enforcement activity.

Bovino became the public face of operations after Pretti, who filmed agents, confronted them and was shot multiple times. After the incident, Bovino claimed Pretti intended to “massacre” federal agents during the confrontation, escalating tensions in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security said agents acted in self-defense after Pretti allegedly resisted disarmament using a handgun. Witnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family disputed the claim, asserting he held only a phone during the encounter. Pretti’s parents accused the administration of spreading false narratives, calling the official statements “sickening lies” about what occurred.

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Leadership shift follows fatal federal shootings as tensions and protests grow in Minneapolis

Bovino has driven the Trump administration’s hardline enforcement in several cities, frequently posting videos of raids online. Homan, who will report directly to Trump, also supports aggressive immigration action but brings experience from handling immigration and deportation cases under the Obama administration. Despite the leadership change, residents in Minneapolis remain anxious, with some unable to leave their homes or go to work due to fear of federal enforcement.

Tensions escalated after Pretti became the second Minneapolis resident killed by federal immigration officials, following the January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Critics have targeted Bovino and other federal agents, with more than 3,000 agents stationed in the city. Memorials and protests continue, including demonstrations outside the hotel where Bovino stayed, demanding his departure.

Trump has discussed the situation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, emphasizing cooperation while maintaining his focus on targeting criminals in custody. The president agreed to explore reducing federal agents in the state and allowing the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct an independent investigation into Pretti’s death. Local leaders and Republicans alike have called for transparency and accountability, while city residents continue to express fear and frustration over federal immigration operations.

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