Key points
- Trump attacks Minneapolis mayor despite de-escalation promise
- Video contradicts claims victim posed security threat
- Immigration leadership reshuffled amid protests and backlash
- Ilhan Omar attacked; blames Trump’s rhetoric directly
MINNEAPOLIS, United States: The Trump administration placed two immigration agents on leave following the fatal shooting of an unarmed civilian in Minneapolis, as President Donald Trump escalated tensions by attacking the city’s mayor despite pledging to de-escalate.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot multiple times on Saturday after being forced to the ground by camouflaged immigration officers in an incident captured on video. Authorities said the agents were placed on leave under “standard protocol,” but the killing sparked nationwide outrage, reports AFP.
Trump wanted to ease tensions in Minneapolis
Although Trump said Tuesday he wanted to ease tensions in Minneapolis, he accused Mayor Jacob Frey a day later of violating the law by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, warning the mayor was “playing with fire.”
Facing growing backlash, the White House reshuffled immigration leadership in the city, replacing aggressive enforcement figure Greg Bovino with policy-focused border czar Tom Homan. Attorney General Pam Bondi also visited Minneapolis, announcing the arrest of 16 alleged “rioters” accused of assaulting federal officers.
Public anger intensified after revelations that Pretti posed no threat when he was shot. Senior Trump aide Stephen Miller initially labeled him a “would-be assassin,” but later acknowledged the agents may not have followed protocol. Community activists say conditions on the ground remain unchanged, with continued street detentions.
The political fallout widened after Somali-American congresswoman Ilhan Omar was assaulted during a speech. Omar blamed Trump’s repeated attacks against her for fueling hostility, saying intimidation would not silence her. Democrats are now threatening to block federal funding unless immigration agencies are reined in, as Minneapolis remains at the center of a deepening national dispute.
