Two days after a Border Patrol agent fatally shot unarmed U.S. ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis ICE raid—captured on video showing he was disarmed beforehand—backlash has escalated with bipartisan criticism, calls to oust DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, internal agency rifts, unfavorable polling, and fears of a government shutdown tied to DHS funding. President Trump defended Noem while deploying border czar Tom Homan to the state.
The shooting of Alex Pretti, detailed in initial coverage, occurred amid Operation Metro Surge targeting undocumented immigrants. Video showed agents tackling and disarming the armed but non-aggressive protester before firing 10 shots in five seconds. Noem called him a 'domestic terrorist,' prompting rebukes from DHS staff as 'unprofessional' and meme-driven.
New developments highlight deepening divides. Minnesota Rep. Nolan West (R), whose district neighbors the site, demanded halting the operation over public safety risks and economic fallout in agriculture areas, despite supporting criminal deportations. Pretti's friend Heather Zielinski lambasted officials as 'liars and cowards,' portraying him as a caring American.
Democrats ramped up pressure: Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) demanded Noem's firing, likening her to impeached ex-Secretary Mayorkas; House members eyed impeachment; Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) slammed Republicans for bundling DHS funds. Trump rebuffed ousters, praising Noem's border security record and affirming her via Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. A two-hour Trump-Noem meeting preceded Homan's oversight role in Minnesota, with Noem ally Bovino reassigned to California.
Public sentiment soured: Pollster Sarah Longwell noted swing voters 'fed up' with ICE zealotry beyond criminals; Trump now trails on deportations. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) paused her campaign for de-escalation pushes like training and body cams; GOP candidate Chris Madel quit, deeming tactics disastrous. Amid over 700,000 criminal deportations under Noem, controversy fuels a potential second DHS-linked shutdown as Democrats seek bill separation.
The saga builds on early protests and a prior fatal ICE shooting this month, with investigations ongoing.
