Trump says government will 'de-escalate' in Minnesota following Pretti shooting

January 28, 2026

Following two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration officers in Minnesota, President Trump announced his administration would reduce enforcement operations in the state. The recent deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a veterans hospital, sparked widespread protests and bipartisan criticism of the administration's tactics. Conflicting accounts have emerged about the circumstances of Pretti's shooting, with officials initially claiming self-defense while witnesses and a preliminary report contradict key details of the government's narrative.

Who is affected

Renee Good and Alex Pretti (both fatally shot U.S. citizens)
Minnesota residents and local protesters
Federal immigration officers and agents deployed in Minnesota (approximately 3,000)
Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
Gregory Bovino (Border Patrol official removed from leadership)
Tom Homan (border czar now overseeing Minnesota operations)
Republican lawmakers including Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska
Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is de-escalating operations in Minnesota
Tom Homan is meeting with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement officials
A federal judge has blocked DHS from destroying or altering evidence
The White House is evaluating why CBP teams may not have been following protocols for separating arrest teams from protesters

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant crisis in federal immigration enforcement, involving the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during operations that have generated bipartisan condemnation. The conflicting accounts between official government statements and witness reports, along with contradictions in the preliminary CBP report, raise serious questions about accountability and transparency in federal law enforcement actions. The incident has forced the Trump administration to reconsider its enforcement tactics in Minnesota despite the President's broader support for aggressive deportation operations.

What's next

A prioritized, transparent investigation into Pretti's death is expected, as called for by Senator Ricketts and other lawmakers
Tom Homan will continue overseeing operations in Minnesota as the new mission leader
The White House will continue evaluating why CBP teams may not have followed protocols

Read full article from source: BBC