Trum camp is divided since the killing of Alex Pretti

The second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis plunged the Trump administration into a widening political and operational crisis, sharply escalating scrutiny of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. The death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, marked the second deadly encounter involving federal agents in the state this month, triggering sustained protests, legal challenges, and demands from Minnesota officials that federal forces withdraw. State and local leaders accused Washington of inflaming tensions and failing to maintain control over a rapidly deteriorating situation, turning what began as an enforcement operation into a national flashpoint with mounting political consequences.

As the fallout intensified, an internal blame game erupted inside the administration over how the shooting was handled and publicly explained. White House officials privately accused Customs and Border Protection of circulating inaccurate and inflammatory intelligence, while others faulted senior adviser Stephen Miller for amplifying the claim that Pretti sought a «massacre», language later conceded by officials to be unsupported. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who repeated the allegation publicly, faced growing criticism from lawmakers and administration aides for failing to verify the information, deepening mistrust and fueling accusations of reckless messaging amid an already volatile situation.

Under mounting pressure, President Trump moved to reset the federal response by sidelining Border Patrol leadership overseeing the Minnesota operation and dispatching Tom Homan to take direct control. The reassignment effectively removed the commander on the ground as Homan, the administration’s so-called border czar, assumed authority. Homan vowed to remain in Minnesota until «I’m staying ‘til the problem is gone», signaling an attempt to stabilize the operation, contain political damage, and reassert control. The leadership shake-up underscored the severity of the crisis and growing demands for accountability and clearer oversight.

At his first press conference in Minnesota since taking charge of the federal immigration operation, border czar Tom Homan said the enforcement mission «has not been perfect» and stressed that his priority is to make it «safer» and «more efficient». He reaffirmed his vow to remain in the state, declaring «I’m staying ’til the problem is gone», while confirming that discussions are underway with Minnesota officials about reducing the federal presence if cooperation improves. Homan said ICE would continue targeted enforcement «by the book» and declined to address the specific shootings, arguing that ongoing investigations must proceed before conclusions are drawn.