Federal immigration enforcement operations, identified as "Operation Metro Surge," escalated throughout January in Minneapolis and the broader Twin Cities region. These operations involved the deployment of thousands of federal agents and led to two fatal shootings by federal officers—Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24—and a third shooting incident involving a Venezuelan national. The events sparked widespread protests, civil disobedience, and an economic blackout across Minnesota and the United States.
Conflicting accounts from federal officials, local authorities, and eyewitnesses emerged regarding the circumstances of the shootings and the conduct of federal agents. The intensified federal presence and associated incidents also resulted in significant political tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota's state and local leaders, numerous legal challenges, congressional oversight attempts, and ultimately contributed to a partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding.
Overview of Federal Immigration Operations
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described its immigration enforcement deployment in the Twin Cities as "Operation Metro Surge" and its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation. Reports indicated that approximately 2,000 to 3,000 federal agents were deployed to Minnesota, a number exceeding the local Minneapolis police force.
The stated objectives of the operation included arresting individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, addressing fraud, and protecting agents from activists. Some federal officials linked the operation to previous accusations of fraud at Somali-run childcare centers.
Reported Tactics and Allegations
Reported tactics by federal agents included "militarized raids," "dangerous, illegal, and unconstitutional stops and arrests" in public places like schools and hospitals, and questioning individuals, particularly people of color, about their immigration status. Agents were observed using unmarked vehicles, and allegations of racial profiling were made by state officials and community members.
Other reported actions included smashing car windows, physically removing observers, using pepper spray, tear gas, and flash bombs, performing "brake-checks" on highways, and detaining observers without access to phones or lawyers. In some instances, agents allegedly used racial and sexual epithets and broadcast looped audio of a woman screaming from a vehicle.
Concerns were raised about the training of federal agents for urban policing and crowd control, with some former officials suggesting their training was substandard. DHS, however, stated that its agents undergo extensive training in conflict management, de-escalation, and firearms.
Fatal Shooting of Renee Good (January 7)
On Wednesday, January 7, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, mother of three, and ICU nurse, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in south Minneapolis. The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Portland Avenue near East 34th Street, a residential area. The ICE officer involved was identified as Jonathan Ross.
Conflicting Accounts
Federal Officials' Account: Trump administration officials identified Good as a "violent rioter" and "domestic terrorist." They alleged she "weaponized her vehicle" and attempted to run over ICE agents, leading Agent Ross to fire "defensive shots" in self-defense. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Agent Ross had previously been hit by a car in the line of duty in June.
Local Officials' and Eyewitnesses' Account: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz disputed the federal narrative, stating Good was "caring for her neighbors" or acting as a "legal observer." Eyewitnesses and video footage reportedly showed Good's SUV turning or driving away from Agent Ross, not driving toward him. Some reports indicated she received conflicting orders from agents. Minneapolis police preliminary information stated her vehicle began to drive off as an officer approached on foot. Good was described as unarmed.
Autopsy Findings: A family-commissioned autopsy found Good sustained three gunshot wounds: to her left forearm, right breast, and the left side of her head near the temple, which exited on the right side. A graze wound was also observed.
Investigation and Aftermath
Agent Ross was hospitalized following the incident, with DHS stating he suffered internal bleeding, but was later released. The FBI assumed leadership of the investigation into Good's death. However, Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), initially involved, was later excluded, citing a lack of access to case materials and evidence. State and local prosecutors announced independent efforts to collect evidence, and a federal civil rights inquiry into Agent Ross was not initiated. The Justice Department later stated that available video evidence cleared Ross, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that the department does not initiate investigations solely based on requests from congressmen or governors.
Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti (January 24)
On Saturday, January 24, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during an encounter near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in south Minneapolis. The officers involved were identified as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa (43) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer Raymundo Gutierrez (35).
Conflicting Accounts
Federal Officials' Account: The Trump administration described the shooting as self-defense, alleging Pretti "brandished" a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, "attacked" officers, and violently resisted attempts to disarm him. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller referred to Pretti as a "would-be assassin," and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem suggested he intended "maximum damage and massacre law enforcement," carrying two magazines of ammunition.
Local Officials' and Eyewitnesses' Account: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed Pretti had no criminal record, was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and had only traffic tickets. Bystander videos reportedly showed Pretti holding a phone, not brandishing a gun, during the encounter. Witnesses stated he was attempting to assist a woman who had been pushed by an agent. Videos also appeared to show an officer removing a handgun from Pretti's waist area before another officer fired several shots into Pretti's back while he was on the ground.
Internal Government Review: A preliminary assessment by CBP, based on body-worn camera footage, indicated officers stated Pretti resisted arrest before two officers shot him, but did not mention him attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon.
Prior Altercation
Newly surfaced video footage, verified by BBC News and The News Movement, depicted an altercation between Pretti and federal agents on January 13, 11 days before his death. In the video, Pretti was observed yelling at agents and kicking the taillight of their vehicle, after which agents tackled him to the ground. A firearm was visible in Pretti's waistband, but he did not appear to reach for it. Agents did not disarm him during this incident. DHS stated it was reviewing this footage. Pretti's family attorney stated this earlier event could not justify his subsequent killing.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division initiated a federal civil rights investigation into Pretti's death. The FBI assumed leadership of the federal investigation, with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) providing support. Both agents involved were placed on administrative leave. State investigators reported being denied access to the scene and evidence by federal authorities, despite obtaining a state search warrant. After Pretti's death, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was removed from his role in Minneapolis and replaced by Tom Homan as "border czar."
Other Federal Agent-Involved Shootings/Incidents
Minneapolis Shooting (Venezuelan National)
An ICE officer discharged a firearm in north Minneapolis, striking a man in the leg during an arrest operation. U.S. officials reported the officer was allegedly attacked by individuals wielding shovels. The primary target, identified as a Venezuelan migrant named Julio Cesar Sosa-Celia, reportedly assaulted an ICE officer with a shovel. Officials stated that two additional individuals attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, prompting the officer to fire "defensive shots." The man sustained a leg injury and was expected to recover. The officer was hospitalized. All individuals inside a residence were taken into custody.
Portland, Oregon Shootings
On January 8, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents shot and injured two individuals identified as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras and Luis David Nico Moncada, both from Venezuela, near a hospital in Portland. DHS alleged the driver "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents," prompting an agent to fire. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson disputed the federal account. DHS alleged gang affiliation, but did not provide evidence.
Alberto Castañeda Mondragón's Alleged Beating
Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a Mexican immigrant with no criminal record, alleged that ICE agents pulled him from a car, threw him to the ground, handcuffed him, and then punched him and struck his head with a steel baton. He sustained eight skull fractures and five brain hemorrhages. ICE officers reportedly told nurses he "purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall," an account questioned by medical staff. A federal judge later ruled his arrest unlawful and ordered his release.
Protests and Community Response
The federal operations and shootings led to widespread protests across Minneapolis and other U.S. cities, including New York City, Chicago, Portland (OR), Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. Thousands participated in marches and demonstrations, with some events involving clashes with law enforcement, property damage, and arrests.
Nature of Protests
- "Noise Protests": Demonstrators used whistles, car horns, and shouting to alert communities to ICE presence and protest operations.
- Vandalism and Confrontations: Incidents included demonstrators throwing ice, snow, and rocks at officers, resulting in one officer sustaining minor injuries. Property damage, including broken windows and graffiti at hotels believed to be housing federal agents, was reported.
- Economic Blackout/General Strike: Labor unions, community groups, and faith leaders organized "economic blackouts" or "general strikes" on multiple Fridays, urging residents to abstain from work, school, and shopping. Hundreds of businesses, including restaurants and cafes, closed in solidarity.
- Boycotts: Calls for boycotts against corporations like Target, headquartered in Minneapolis, emerged after federal agents detained two Target employees.
- Airport Protests: Clergy and community members protested at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport against chartered flights transporting detainees. Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested.
Community Organizing and Mutual Aid
Residents formed "rapid response groups" and extensive community networks, utilizing platforms like Signal, to track ICE vehicles, issue real-time alerts, and document incidents. Volunteers provided mutual aid, including delivering groceries to immigrant families fearful of leaving their homes, offering legal and medical support, and patrolling neighborhoods and schools. Some businesses displayed signs stating that federal agents required a judge-signed warrant for entry.
Political Reactions and Federal-State Tensions
Trump Administration's Stance
President Trump and his administration consistently defended the federal agents' actions, often characterizing the victims of shootings as "domestic terrorists," "violent rioters," or individuals who "weaponized their vehicles." They criticized Minnesota's state and local leaders for allegedly inciting violence, obstructing federal enforcement, and creating "sanctuary city" policies. President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, allowing for the deployment of active-duty military for law enforcement duties, although he later stated there was no reason to use it. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and others later distanced themselves from some of the administration's stronger statements regarding Alex Pretti.
Minnesota Officials' Opposition
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Attorney General Keith Ellison strongly condemned the federal deployment, calling for ICE to withdraw from the city and state. They disputed federal accounts of the shootings, urged peaceful demonstrations, and encouraged citizens to record federal agents' actions for potential "future prosecution." Mayor Frey described the federal presence as an "occupying force" and "invasion." Governor Walz characterized it as a "campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government."
Congressional Reactions
- Democrats: Many Democratic lawmakers called for investigations, congressional oversight, funding restrictions for DHS, and policy changes to curb ICE tactics, including a ban on agents wearing masks, mandatory body cameras, and requirements for judicial warrants. Some House Democrats, led by Rep. Robin Kelly, introduced articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of obstructing Congress, violating public trust, and self-dealing.
- Republicans: While largely supporting the administration's immigration policies, some Republican lawmakers expressed concern over the shootings and called for thorough, impartial investigations. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis publicly called for the removal of Secretary Noem, with Murkowski stating ICE agents do not have unlimited authority.
Shift in Federal Leadership
Following intense pressure, Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol commander leading Minneapolis operations, was replaced by Tom Homan, designated as President Trump's "border czar." Homan stated that a plan was underway to reduce the number of agents in Minnesota, contingent on local authorities allowing federal agents access to jails for deportations.
Legal Challenges and Investigations
Minnesota's Lawsuit
The State of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to halt or limit "Operation Metro Surge." The lawsuit alleged the DHS was infringing upon First Amendment and other constitutional protections, and cited the Tenth Amendment regarding state sovereignty. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez declined to issue an immediate temporary restraining order but the lawsuit proceeded.
DOJ Investigation of Walz and Frey
The U.S. Justice Department initiated a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly conspiring to obstruct federal immigration agents, citing federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 372. Subpoenas were issued to both officials, who characterized the investigation as an "authoritarian tactic" and an attempt to intimidate them for opposing federal actions. Attorney General Keith Ellison also received a subpoena.
DOJ Civil Rights Probe into Pretti Shooting
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division launched a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. However, a similar probe was not announced for Renee Good's death, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stating it was not deemed necessary.
ACLU Lawsuit and Judicial Restrictions
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction to restrict federal agents' protest operations. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting federal agents from detaining or using tear gas against peaceful protesters, and from stopping drivers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction. This ruling was temporarily suspended by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals while the administration pursued an appeal.
Allegations of Federal Agent Misconduct and Citizen Detentions
Numerous U.S. citizens reported being detained, questioned, and subjected to alleged mistreatment by federal agents. These included Aliya Rahman (autistic, TBI, concussed), ChongLy Scott Thao (removed from home minimally dressed), Mubashir Khalif Hussen (tackled, handcuffed, racial slur alleged), Nasra Ahmed (detained, racial slur alleged, concussion), and Luis Escoto and his wife Irma (questioned, advised to carry ID). Some reported denial of access to medical care, phones, and legal representation while detained. Cases of erroneous deportations were also reported to be increasing.
Congressional Oversight and DHS Funding Dispute
Body Camera Policy
Following increased scrutiny, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that all federal agents in Minneapolis would immediately begin wearing body cameras, with a nationwide expansion planned as funding became available. This policy change aligned with demands from Democrats, although previously, the Trump administration had slowed body camera pilot programs and requested funding cuts.
Congressional Visits to ICE Facilities
U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig of Minnesota attempted to tour an ICE facility but were asked to leave under a new DHS policy requiring federal lawmakers to request visits at least seven days in advance for facilities funded by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This policy bypassed a prior federal judge's ruling that temporarily blocked restrictions on congressional visits.
DHS Funding Standoff
Democratic senators, citing the fatal shootings and alleged abuses by ICE, threatened to block a $1.2 trillion funding package if it included appropriations for DHS without significant reforms. Their demands included judicial warrants for arrests, an end to "roving patrols," mandatory identification, a ban on masks, and a uniform code of conduct for federal agents. Republicans initially opposed these demands, but negotiations ensued as a government shutdown loomed.
Government Shutdown and Its Impact
On Saturday, January 31, the U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security as Congress failed to pass a full budget agreement. The shutdown stemmed from the ongoing disagreement between the White House and Democrats over proposed changes to federal immigration enforcement practices.
During the shutdown, federal employees at agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard continued to work without immediate pay. However, ICE and CBP operations were anticipated to be less affected, as they had access to approximately $75 billion in previously approved funding from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed in 2025. The House and Senate recessed, suggesting a potential shutdown of at least 10 days, although lawmakers could return sooner if a legislative agreement was reached.
Negotiations continued, with Democrats demanding a short-term DHS funding extension of no more than two weeks, while the Trump administration advocated for a six-week extension to allow more time for a long-term agreement on ICE practices.