The Trump administration has implemented significant leadership and operational changes concerning immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents within a three-week period.
Tom Homan, designated as a "border tsar," has been deployed to lead ground operations, while Customs and Border Protection (CBP) commander-at-large Gregory Bovino has been reassigned. These changes coincide with increased public scrutiny and bipartisan calls for investigation into the federal operations.
Fatal Shootings and Disputed Accounts
Federal immigration agents were involved in two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.
Renee Good
In early January, Renee Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Senior administration officials initially characterized Good as a "domestic terrorist," with President Trump claiming footage showed her attempting to run over an ICE agent.
Alex Pretti
On a Saturday later in January, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was fatally shot by a federal agent. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that agents fired in self-defense after Pretti, who they reported had a handgun, resisted attempts to disarm him.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, US Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, and senior presidential adviser Stephen Miller initially described Pretti as intending to inflict harm and, in some cases, as a "domestic terrorist" or "would-be assassin" who brandished a weapon.
These federal accounts were disputed by local officials, eyewitnesses, and Pretti's family.
Multiple videos of the encounter reportedly showed Pretti filming agents and assisting a woman, followed by both being pepper-sprayed. Some footage did not show Pretti holding a gun when he was restrained. The Minneapolis Police Chief confirmed Pretti was a legal gun owner with a concealed carry permit. Pretti's parents issued a statement requesting the full truth and criticizing the administration's initial characterizations of their son.
Leadership and Operational Changes
President Trump announced the deployment of Tom Homan to Minneapolis, effectively sidelining Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the state's enforcement operations.
Tom Homan's Role
Homan, a "border tsar" and a Trump ally with decades of experience in immigration policy, arrived in Minneapolis on a Tuesday. He is designated as the "main point of contact on the ground" and will report directly to President Trump.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Homan would focus on "arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens" and coordinating fraud investigations. Homan has publicly advocated for a targeted enforcement approach against known criminals.
Gregory Bovino's Reassignment
Gregory Bovino, who had been a visible figure leading mass deportation drives in various U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, was reassigned from his temporary "commander-at-large" position. He will resume his duties as chief of the El Centro, California, sector.
Bovino's tactics, including the "turn and burn" method for rapid arrests, had generated controversy. Two U.S. Border Patrol agents involved in one of the fatal shootings were placed on administrative leave.
Shift in Enforcement Strategy
The Trump administration indicated a shift towards "de-escalating" operations and adopting a more "targeted" enforcement approach. New directives issued by Marcos Charles, the top official in ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, specify that officers should only target immigrants with criminal charges or convictions.
The directive mandates that:
"ALL TARGETS MUST HAVE A CRIMINAL NEXUS."
ICE will now lead the Minneapolis operation, with Border Patrol serving in a support role.
White House Stance and Political Fallout
The administration's initial position on the shootings proved difficult to maintain amid growing public criticism and bipartisan concern.
Administration's Evolving Tone
Following Pretti's death, President Trump described the incident as "tragic" and "a very unfortunate incident," adding that Pretti "shouldn't have been carrying a gun." He also declined to defend the ICE agent involved in the Pretti shooting, stating the administration was "reviewing everything."
Senior adviser Stephen Miller adjusted his previous stance, conceding that Border Patrol teams may not have followed protocol and that initial statements were based on reports from Customs and Border Protection personnel.
Engagement with Local Officials
President Trump held "productive" conversations with Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Walz, who had previously called for ICE to leave the state, confirmed that he requested a reduction in federal agents and an independent investigation into Pretti's death by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Trump agreed to consider reducing agent numbers and discussing the investigation with DHS.
Widespread Criticism
The incidents prompted concern from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Several Republicans, including Senators Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, called for investigations and expressed alarm over the federal operations.
Senator Murkowski called for Homeland Security Secretary Noem's resignation. Conservative media outlets and podcasters also voiced criticism. Poll data indicated a decrease in Trump's approval rating on immigration.
Congressional Action
The events contributed to debates over Homeland Security funding, with some Democratic senators indicating they would vote against funding bills without significant changes. House Democrats also accused the administration of using taxpayer funds "to kill American citizens" and threatened impeachment proceedings for Secretary Noem if she was not dismissed.
Related Incident
Separately, Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a substance during a public event in Minneapolis. A man was arrested in connection with the incident.
The personnel and policy shifts occurred amidst reports of internal disagreements within the administration regarding immigration enforcement strategies, with some officials favoring large-scale sweeps and others advocating for a more targeted approach.