A federal agent cordoned off a Minneapolis area on January 24, 2026, following a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, marking the second deadly incident this month. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanded that President Trump immediately halt these aggressive ICE operations in the state, expressing deep concern over the violence that has erupted. “Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz stated in a post on X.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the shooting victim has been identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse with no criminal history apart from minor traffic violations. “The only interaction that we are aware of with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets, and we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit,” O’Hara remarked. However, the specifics of the incident remain under investigation, and Chief O’Hara mentioned that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been in communication with local law enforcement but has not provided further details.
The recent violence escalated tensions between state officials and federal immigration agents, as this shooting follows the earlier fatal incident involving Renee Nicole Good, also 37, which ignited protests and increasing political repercussions against ICE. According to a DHS statement, during a targeted operation to apprehend a violent individual wanted for assault, Pretti allegedly approached Border Patrol officers with a loaded handgun. “An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,” the spokesperson noted.
Federal agents reportedly attempted to disarm Pretti, but DHS claimed he resisted violently. Sources confirmed that 200 protesters gathered at the scene, prompting law enforcement to implement crowd control measures. Greg Bovino, the chief of Customs and Border Patrol, stated in a briefing that the federal agent involved in the shooting has served for eight years.
Amid the escalating situation, Governor Walz agreed to activate the Minnesota National Guard to assist first responders, emphasizing their role in ensuring public safety and facilitating peaceful protests. His decision followed a request from Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt. “Their presence is meant to help create a secure environment where all Minnesotans can exercise their rights safely,” Witte’s statement read.
In response to the tragedy, President Trump defended the operations of ICE through a Truth Social post, denouncing the criticisms aimed at his administration’s immigration policies. He remarked, “This is the gunman’s gun, loaded and ready to go— what is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?” Minneapolis officials urged residents to avoid the vicinity and to stay calm as authorities worked to manage the crowd.
Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed the governor’s demand for ICE to cease its operations in Minnesota. “The world is watching. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed. Local police no longer able to do their work. Kids hiding. Schools closed. Get ICE out of Minnesota NOW,” she posted on X. Meanwhile, Trump administration representatives attributed blame for the shooting to Pretti. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller labeled him a “domestic terrorist.”
This story continues to develop. For the latest updates, please check back frequently.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/24/walz-trump-ice-shooting.html
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Publish Date: 2026-01-25 02:55:00
