Trump’s Immigration Chief Driving Crackdown to Exit Minneapolis

A senior US immigration official is set to leave Minneapolis, signaling a possible shift in the White House’s approach following the fatal shooting of a second resident by federal officers over the weekend.

Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and several immigration agents are departing, while former “border tsar” Tom Homan will take over on-the-ground operations in the city after the shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday heightened tensions. The move may indicate the administration’s intent to scale back aggressive federal actions amid mounting criticism.

Despite the change in personnel, online monitoring shows immigration raids in Minneapolis have continued. Bovino, who led the operation when Pretti—a bystander reportedly filming agents—was shot multiple times, previously claimed Pretti intended to “massacre” federal officers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated agents fired in self-defence after Pretti allegedly resisted disarmament while holding a handgun. Witnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family have disputed this account, saying he held only a phone. Pretti’s parents have criticised the administration for spreading “sickening lies” about the incident.

Bovino has been a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s hardline immigration enforcement, regularly documenting and promoting raids. Homan, who reports directly to the president, is also a strong advocate of strict immigration measures and previously worked on immigration and deportations during the Obama administration.

Tensions in Minneapolis remain high. George Cordero, a resident of St. Paul, said, “A lot of people aren’t able to work right now, they aren’t able to leave their house, they’re afraid.” Pretti is the second Minneapolis resident shot and killed by federal immigration agents since their arrival; Renee Nicole Good was killed by ICE on January 7.

While some reports suggested Bovino had been removed, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denied this, calling him “a key part of the president’s team.” Public anger has largely focused on Bovino and the thousands of federal agents—including ICE personnel—deployed to the city.

Pretti’s sister, Micayla, described her brother as “my hero” and questioned how many more lives must be lost before action is taken. Local residents, including retired nurse Carol Engelheart, expressed fear and called for civic action to protect constitutional rights.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it is the president’s “hope and wish” that the chaos in Minneapolis ends. Trump also spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both of whom have opposed the federal immigration operations. The discussions were described as constructive, with Trump and Walz agreeing to explore reducing the number of federal agents in the state while allowing the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct an independent investigation into Pretti’s death.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised Homan’s deployment as “a very smart move,” while Senator John Curtis called for a “transparent, independent investigation” to hold those responsible accountable.

Memorials for Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and protests against ICE operations have continued, including a demonstration outside the hotel where Bovino was reportedly staying. Additional vigils and protests are planned in the coming days.