Trump abandons attack mode as Minneapolis shooting backlash grows

January 26, 2026

After federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse in Minneapolis, the Trump administration initially labeled him a domestic terrorist but quickly reversed course when videos contradicted their claims. The administration shifted from its typical confrontational response to a more conciliatory approach, sending Tom Homan to oversee Minnesota operations and attempting diplomatic outreach to the state's Democratic governor. This incident, following a similar shooting three weeks earlier, has sparked bipartisan criticism of ICE's aggressive tactics and threats of a government shutdown from Democrats demanding accountability measures.

Who is affected

Alex Pretti (37-year-old American nurse, shot and killed)
Pretti's parents and family
Renee Good (Minneapolis resident killed by federal law enforcement three weeks prior)
Minneapolis residents and citizens
Minneapolis Police and Chief Brian O'Hara
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison
Republican officials (Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Utah Senator John Curtis)
Democratic senators (particularly Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii)
Department of Homeland Security personnel
American citizens subject to ICE enforcement actions

What action is being taken

The administration is conducting a full investigation into the shooting
Tom Homan is being dispatched to Minnesota to directly oversee law-enforcement efforts there
Homeland security chairmen in both the House and Senate are planning to hold public hearings
Senate Democrats are blocking a funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security
The White House and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have engaged in direct communication

Why it matters

This incident represents a critical test of Trump's mass deportation policy and immigration enforcement tactics, which were central to his election victory. The shooting has exposed tensions between aggressive federal enforcement methods and public expectations of appropriate law enforcement conduct, creating bipartisan concern about the sustainability of current ICE operations. With public opinion surveys showing 61% of Americans believe ICE is being "too tough" and 58% disapproving of Trump's immigration handling overall, the administration faces potential erosion of support for a cornerstone policy initiative. The situation also demonstrates the political volatility of immigration and law enforcement issues, with both parties facing risks as they navigate public backlash while either defending or opposing administration policies.

What's next

Tom Homan will travel to Minnesota to direct law-enforcement efforts and report directly to President Trump
Public hearings will be held by homeland security chairmen in both the House and Senate
A potential partial government shutdown could occur Friday night if Senate Democrats maintain their blockage of DHS funding
The full investigation into Pretti's death will be carried out
Continued negotiations may occur between the administration and Minnesota officials following the "very good call" between Trump and Governor Walz

Read full article from source: BBC