January 26, 2026 — Minneapolis, Minnesota — President Donald Trump said Monday he is sending federal border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as protests and political pressure intensify following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
The decision comes after days of demonstrations and growing scrutiny of federal immigration actions in the state, placing Minnesota at the center of a national debate over enforcement tactics and accountability.
Shooting triggers unrest
The unrest began after Alex Pretti, a 37 year old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed during an operation involving federal immigration agents in south Minneapolis. The incident quickly drew widespread attention after video from the scene circulated online, prompting questions about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Federal authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred during an enforcement action. Local officials and community leaders have called for a full investigation, while protests spread across Minneapolis and other parts of the state.
Federal response escalates
Trump announced that Homan, a former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would travel to Minnesota to review the situation and oversee the federal response. The White House said Homan is expected to meet with federal agents and assess ongoing operations as tensions remain high.
Administration officials defended the deployment, saying it reflects the federal government’s commitment to enforcing immigration law while responding to unrest surrounding the shooting.
Legal and political fallout
The shooting has triggered legal challenges and political responses at multiple levels. A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments related to Minnesota’s attempt to limit aspects of the current immigration enforcement surge, which involves a large federal presence across the state.
State leaders have raised concerns about public safety and the role of federal agents, while members of Congress have demanded transparency regarding the operation and the events that led to Pretti’s death.
Protests continue
Demonstrations have continued in Minneapolis, with protesters calling for accountability and changes to federal immigration enforcement practices. Law enforcement officials said several protests remained peaceful, though authorities increased security around federal buildings.
As Homan prepares to arrive in Minnesota, the situation remains fluid. Further developments are expected as investigations proceed, court hearings move forward, and federal officials outline next steps in response to the shooting and the protests that followed.
