Displaying items by tag: Alex Pretti

Donald Trump has said he personally decided to withdraw hundreds of federal law enforcement agents from Minneapolis, following huge protests after Alex Pretti was shot on 24 January (see ). About 700 agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are set to leave the Twin Cities, with the goal of ‘a full drawdown’. Trump said the move was tied to negotiations over the release of detained prisoners and took credit for falling crime rates in Minnesota, even though there have been accusations that federal agents violated constitutional rights through aggressive tactics. Minnesota governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey have both criticised the operations, while Trump suggested that in future DHS might need to use a ‘softer touch’ alongside firmness. The episode highlights deep national divisions over immigration, public safety, accountability, and the appropriate use of federal power.

Two agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis on 24 January. The killing has sparked protests, national outrage, and calls for accountability within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Initial official claims that Pretti was brandishing a gun have been questioned after video analysis found no weapon visible. A preliminary report states the shooting occurred during a physical struggle, contradicting earlier statements. The incident comes as protests continue over the federal immigration crackdown. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey has clashed publicly with Donald Trump over immigration enforcement and rhetoric, while another critic, Representative Ilhan Omar, who was attacked in a public meeting on 26 January, has blamed Trump for increases in threats against her. With tensions running high and investigations continue, lawmakers are considering impeachment proceedings and removing funding for DHS in spending legislation which Congress must pass to keep the government from shutting down on 1 February. For an example of the heavy-handedness of the federal approach, see