President Trump Consents to ICE Withdrawal in Minnesota Following Fatal Shooting
In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to pull Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents out of Minnesota. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a federal agent killed a nurse during protests, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Phone Call with Governor Tim Walz Addresses Investigation
The President held a crucial phone conversation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Monday. This discussion followed the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was shot dead by agents during protests against immigration crackdowns in Minneapolis on Saturday. The governor's office released a statement detailing the outcomes of their talk.
Governor Walz's office stated: 'The President agreed that he would talk to his Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case.'
Furthermore, the office added: 'The President also agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and working with the state in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals.'
Background of the Incident and Political Tensions
Trump's call with Governor Walz occurred after the President publicly blamed Pretti's death on what he termed 'Democrat-ensued chaos'. He has accused Walz of failing to act while violent mobs attacked ICE agents and even threatened to deploy troops under the Insurrection Act. However, this latest move suggests a shift towards cooperation rather than confrontation.
Reports indicate that President Trump has privately expressed concerns about Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In response, he sidelined this MAGA loyalist on Monday, ordering Tom Homan to lead the ICE operation in Minnesota instead.
Trump announced on Truth Social: 'I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me.'
Details of the Fatal Shooting and Previous Incidents
Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent while filming federal officers on a Minneapolis street. The officer's operation was targeting Jose Huerta-Chuma, an illegal immigrant with a criminal history that includes:
- Domestic assault for intentional conflict bodily harm
- Disorderly conduct
- Driving without a valid license
This tragic event in Minneapolis marks the second death resulting from confrontations between federal immigration officers and civilians in the city. Earlier, on January 7, Renee Good was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a different operation, highlighting ongoing tensions and safety concerns.
The agreement to withdraw ICE agents and allow local investigation represents a pivotal moment in federal-state relations regarding immigration enforcement and public safety in Minnesota.
