Four days after federal agents killed Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti during an ICE raid—detailed in prior coverage—border czar Tom Homan announced tactical adjustments in the city, as protests intensify, leadership changes occur, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar launches a gubernatorial bid citing the violence.
Since the January 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, covered extensively including bystander video contradicting initial federal claims of resistance, developments have escalated tensions in Minneapolis amid ongoing ICE 'Operation Metro Surge' raids launched late 2025.
President Trump has replaced Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, sidelined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and deployed border czar Tom Homan to oversee operations. At a January 29 press conference, Homan stressed prioritizing 'criminal aliens, public safety threats, and national security threats,' declaring, 'If you’re in the country illegally, you’re never off the table.' He outlined a 'drawdown' of field agents by partnering with local jails for efficiency and safety, following meetings with Gov. Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Protests have grown fiercer, with demonstrators storming the Minnesota Capitol demanding agent charges—none filed yet, as internal probes continue. Sources including NPR highlight contradictions in White House narratives on the shootings of U.S. citizens Pretti and Renee Good (January 13). Trump supporters show division, with outlets like National Review urging accountability.
The incidents have spurred political moves: Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced her candidacy for governor, pointing to Minnesota's 'recent hardships' including the killings. Democrats push for investigations and reforms; Republicans back enforcement but decry potential overreach. For full incident details, see prior coverage in this series.
