Washington, DC — Donald Trump has said his administration intends to ease tensions in Minnesota following weeks of unrest and the fatal shooting of two civilians, including intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, during a federal immigration operation.
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said the shift did not represent a retreat from enforcement efforts but rather a change in approach.
“We’re going to de-escalate a little bit,” Trump said, referring to the expanded federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis that has sparked protests and heightened confrontation between state and federal authorities.
Federal Crackdown Triggers Protests and Fatalities
The Minnesota crisis escalated after federal agents intensified immigration operations in the Minneapolis area, prompting sustained demonstrations. Over the weekend, two US citizens — Alex Pretti and Renee Good — were killed, further inflaming public anger.
Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by two Border Patrol officers while recording agents with his phone. He was legally carrying a firearm at the time, holding a valid permit. According to available information, his weapon was confiscated before he was fatally shot.
Scrutiny Grows Over Administration Response
Senior officials in Trump’s administration, including Kristi Noem, have come under heavy criticism from Democrats and some Republicans over their handling of the incident.
Despite mounting calls for her resignation, Trump said he continues to have confidence in Noem, who oversees Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
Noem publicly labelled Pretti a “domestic terrorist” shortly after the shooting and claimed he had brandished a weapon during an altercation with agents — statements made before the completion of any official investigation.
Her comments departed from standard federal practice and appeared to conflict with early video evidence, which shows Pretti did not draw his firearm while being restrained by officers.
Details Emerge From Federal Investigation
A CBP official told members of Congress on Tuesday that two federal officers discharged their weapons during the encounter.
According to a notice provided to lawmakers, officers attempted to detain Pretti, who allegedly resisted, leading to a physical struggle. During that confrontation, an agent was heard shouting, “He’s got a gun!” multiple times, the notice said, citing information reported by Associated Press.
The notice stated that one Border Patrol officer and one CBP officer each fired Glock pistols.
Investigators from CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility reviewed body-worn camera footage and internal documentation as part of the initial assessment. Under US law, CBP is required to notify congressional committees within 72 hours when a death occurs in its custody.
Calls for Accountability Continue
As investigations proceed, protests in Minnesota continue, with demonstrators demanding accountability, transparency, and changes to federal enforcement tactics.
While Trump has pledged to reduce tensions, critics say the administration’s next steps — particularly regarding disciplinary action and policy changes — will determine whether de-escalation can be achieved.