A senior U.S. immigration officer is anticipated to depart from Minneapolis, potentially signaling a change in the White House's stance following the weekend's tragic shooting of a second American citizen by federal agents. As Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and several immigration officers make their exit, former 'border tsar' Tom Homan will commence operational leadership in the Minnesota city. This decision by President Donald Trump suggests a potential shift away from the administration's previously aggressive federal actions regarding nationwide immigration. Despite this development, digital surveillance indicates that immigration raids persist.
Bovino became a central figure in the operation when Alex Pretti, who was seen recording federal agents, faced a deadly confrontation where he was shot multiple times. Commander's post-incident comments further aggravated the situation as he alleged Pretti planned to 'massacre' federal officers. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents acted in self-defense after Pretti, reportedly armed with a handgun, opposed efforts to disarm him on Saturday. However, witnesses, local leaders, and Pretti's family dispute this narrative, asserting he held a phoneānot a weapon. Prettiās parents have accused the administration of propagating 'sickening lies' about the incident.
Gregory Bovino has played a significant role in implementing the Trump administration's rigorous immigration policies in multiple U.S. cities, frequently using social media platforms to showcase enforcement actions through video content. His successor, Tom Homan, who will report directly to President Trump, is a staunch supporter of stringent immigration measures, bringing extensive experience from the Obama era's immigration and deportation activities.
Tensions have remained high in Minneapolis since federal presence became more prominent. George Cordero, a citizen of St. Paul, a neighboring city to Minneapolis, remarked, "Many people are unable to work or even leave their homes due to fear." Pretti's death marks the second fatal incident involving federal officials since their deployment in Minnesota, following Renee Nicole Good's death by an ICE agent on January 7. Contrary to some media claims, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin refuted Bovino's removal from his post, affirming his position as 'a key element of the president's team and a dedicated American.'
Amidst much public and political outcry, largely aimed at Bovino and the border patrol officers set in Minneapolis under Trump's order, the presence of over 3,000 immigration agents remains contentious. Micayla Pretti, sister to the late Alex Pretti, issued a statement mourning her brother as 'my hero,' and questioning how many more lives must be lost before change occurs. Minneapolis local Carol Engelheart voiced her concerns: "Caring for our country is essential. Our Constitution matters. Collective effort can lead to change."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that the President desires an end to 'resistance and chaos' in Minneapolis. Additionally, President Trump engaged in dialogue on Monday, but further details remain undisclosed.