Minnesota Governor Demands Removal of Immigration Agents After Fatal Shooting

Minnesota Governor Calls for Removal of Federal Immigration Agents After Fatal Shooting

January 26, 2026

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called on US President Donald Trump to withdraw federal immigration agents from the state following the fatal shooting of an ICU nurse during a protest in Minneapolis, intensifying scrutiny of the administration’s immigration enforcement campaign.

The victim, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot dead on Saturday during a confrontation with federal immigration agents, marking the second fatal shooting involving immigration officers in Minneapolis in less than three weeks.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Governor Walz described the agents as “untrained” and questioned the federal government’s strategy in deploying thousands of officers to the state.

“What is the plan?” Walz asked, directing his remarks at President Trump. “We believe in law and order and peace in Minnesota, but these agents must be removed before another life is lost.”

Walz’s comments came amid growing calls for an independent investigation into the killing, as video footage circulating on social media appeared to contradict official claims that Pretti posed an immediate threat to officers.

Federal authorities have alleged that Pretti intended to harm agents and pointed to a handgun reportedly found on him. However, videos from the scene show Pretti holding a mobile phone as agents sprayed him with a chemical irritant, forced him to the ground, and fired multiple shots moments later.

The shooting has sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis, with about 1,000 demonstrators rallying on Sunday to demand the withdrawal of immigration agents from the city.

Senior Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, defended the agents’ actions, insisting they acted in self-defence. The statements have drawn criticism from local officials, civil rights advocates, and lawmakers across party lines.

Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton issued statements condemning the killing and urging Americans to uphold democratic values and accountability.

President Trump, meanwhile, blamed Democratic leaders for the violence, accusing state and local authorities of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that lax cooperation had created dangerous conditions leading to the deaths of two US citizens in recent weeks.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison rejected claims that the federal operation was aimed at combating fraud, arguing that the heavy presence of armed agents amounted to intimidation rather than lawful investigation.

US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged that a full investigation is necessary to determine the facts surrounding Pretti’s death, while several Republican senators also called for transparency and cooperation with state authorities.

Pretti’s family has strongly disputed official accounts, accusing the administration of spreading falsehoods and insisting that he posed no threat at the time he was shot.

As investigations continue, tensions remain high in Minneapolis, where residents say the aggressive federal presence has turned the city into what many describe as an “occupation.”