President tries to calm tensions after fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents, pledging a shift in approach but not a pullback.
President Donald Trump said his administration will โde-escalateโ operations in Minnesota after the killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents sparked broad public backlash and political criticism.
Trump addressed reporters on Tuesday following days of outcry over the fatal shooting of the 37-year-old ICU nurse. He said the government would adjust its approach but emphasized that this did not mean a full pullback of federal efforts.
โWeโre going to de-escalate a little bit,โ Trump told Fox News when asked whether changes were coming after the controversial confrontation. He described the move as a shift in tone, not a retreat from immigration enforcement.
Trump said he sent White House โborder czarโ Tom Homan to Minneapolis to lead the immigration operation. He praised Homanโs ability to work with local officials and suggested that this change would help reduce tensions.
Gregory Bovino, the controversial Border Patrol sector commander, was reported to be leaving Minnesota as part of the shift. Trump described Bovino as โvery goodโ but acknowledged that his style might not have eased the situation.
Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who have both pushed for de-escalation and cooperation after the shootings. Trump said the conversations were positive and โgoing very nicely.โ
The shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24 drew national attention. Pretti, a registered gun owner, was killed by Border Patrol officers during a federal immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. Cheryl Pretti, his family, and eyewitnesses shared video that appeared to show the victim holding a phone, not a weapon, when he was shot, prompting controversy over official accounts.
Trump distanced himself from earlier characterizations by some aides that Pretti was an โassassinโ or posed an imminent threat. He said he did not believe Pretti was acting as an assassin and called the situation โvery unfortunate.โ
However, Trump also said he did not like that Pretti carried a gun during the incident, even though the weapon was legally owned and had been taken from him, according to public reports.
The killings have drawn strong responses from both local leaders and national figures. Walz and Frey have repeatedly urged changes in federal tactics and greater cooperation with state and city authorities. Their calls helped spur reassessments of federal strategy in the region.
Civil rights groups and lawmakers from both parties have also criticized the handling of the incident. Some called for a transparent and thorough investigation into the shooting and questioned the overall approach of Operation Metro Surgeโa federal effort that sent thousands of immigration agents to Minnesota.
Trumpโs use of the term โde-escalateโ suggests a shift in tone and tactics rather than a full end to federal enforcement. Officials have not said that all immigration agents will leave Minnesota or that the government will halt operations.
The president reiterated his commitment to deporting violent offenders and maintaining border security while also seeking better cooperation with state leaders.
His comments come amid intensified national debate about federal immigration enforcement and the use of force by law enforcement agents. Analysts say the situation highlights a delicate balance between upholding law and order and avoiding actions that further inflame public tensions.
Trumpโs promise to de-escalate operations may influence how federal and local officials work together in Minnesota. The focus on cooperation and changing leadership could ease political pressure while maintaining enforcement priorities.
Further developments are expected as investigations into the shootings continue and as Minnesota leaders press for clarity and reforms.
