Trump Says Government Will De-Escalate in Minnesota Following Pretti Shooting
President Donald Trump recently stated that his administration plans to de-escalate a little bit in Minnesota after a tragic second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration officers. Speaking during a Fox News interview, he referred to both incidents as terrible.
Overview of Recent Events
– The shootings involved:
– Renee Good: Fatally shot by an immigration officer in early January.
– Alex Pretti: Killed by border agents this past weekend after being stopped.
– Pretti’s death sparked renewed protests and public outrage nationwide, drawing criticism from lawmakers across party lines.
Presidential Remarks
In an interview ahead of a rally in Iowa, Trump characterized Pretti’s killing, calling it a very unfortunate incident. Additionally, when questioned about the description of Pretti as a domestic terrorist, Trump responded, I haven’t heard that, but noted, He shouldn’t have been carrying a gun.
Official Statements
– Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem:
– Claimed Pretti wasn’t there to peacefully protest, accusing him of domestic terrorism.
– Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
– Stated that the agents acted in self-defense after Pretti allegedly resisted attempts to disarm him.
However, this narrative has faced scrutiny:
– Eyewitnesses asserted Pretti was holding a phone, not a weapon.
– Local authorities confirmed the gun was legally registered and indicated that the shooting occurred after the firearm was removed.
A preliminary report from Customs and Border Protection contradicts the DHS’s initial account, noting that two agents fired their weapons at Pretti without mentioning any aggressive behavior on his part.
Tactical Changes in Minnesota
In response to the incidents:
– The DHS replaced Gregory Bovino, the mission leader in Minnesota, with Tom Homan, who will oversee operations.
– Homan has engaged with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement.
Local residents’ frustration, exacerbated by Pretti’s death and the earlier shooting of Renee Good, has led to growing calls from state and city officials for the removal of the approximately 3,000 immigration agents in the region.
Trump on Immigration Operations
During the Fox News interview, Trump defended the ongoing Minnesota operations, stating that they had successfully removed thousands of hardened criminals contributing to improved crime figures. However, he later mentioned the administration’s decision to de-escalate.
Calls for Investigation
Several Republican leaders, including Vermont Governor Phil Scott and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, have demanded an investigation into Pretti’s death. Ricketts described the incident as horrifying and called for a prioritized, transparent investigation while expressing continued support for ICE funding.
Conclusion
The ongoing situation in Minnesota remains tense as details about the shootings continue to unfold. A federal judge has blocked the DHS from altering any evidence related to the incidents. While Trump refrained from going into detail during his rally, he emphasized his administration’s broader immigration policies, citing a poll indicating strong public backing for deportation efforts targeting criminal illegal immigrants.
As events develop, the community and federal officials alike await clarity and resolution in this contentious chapter of immigration enforcement.