Trump Promises 'De-Escalation' After Fatal Shooting in Minnesota

Tue Feb 03 2026 12:57:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to two recent fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in Minnesota, President Trump announced a plan to de-escalate operations in the state amid growing public outrage and protests.

Following the tragic shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, President Trump stated his administration would 'de-escalate' its actions in Minnesota. Pretti's death has sparked local protests and criticism from lawmakers. The situation follows another recent shooting of a citizen, leading to calls for a withdrawal of federal agents. Trump noted the importance of the ongoing operations but acknowledged the need for a step-back approach in light of public sentiment.

President Donald Trump said his administration was going to de-escalate a little bit in Minnesota, following the second fatal shooting of a US citizen by federal immigration officers in the state.

In a recent Fox News interview, Trump described the incidents as terrible, referring to the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the latter occurring over the past weekend.

Pretti's death has reignited protests and sparked significant public criticism, prompting Trump's comments about reassessing federal operations in the region.

As part of the response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed the leader of the Minnesota mission, Gregory Bovino, and deployed Tom Homan to work with local officials. Trump labeled Pretti's shooting as a very unfortunate incident but avoided agreeing with opinions characterizing him as a domestic terrorist.\p>

Eyewitnesses have disputed official accounts, revealing a significant gap in narratives about the shooting events and what led to the confrontation.

The call for an investigation has gained traction, with some Republicans seeking transparency regarding the incident. A federal judge has blocked DHS from destroying evidence related to the case.

During a rally, Trump reaffirmed the need for his administration's immigration policies, while significant concerns from local communities persist regarding safety and federal oversight.