Senior US Border Patrol officials, including chief Gregory Bovino, are set to leave Minneapolis along with several agents following the fatal shooting of a local resident during an encounter with federal officers, according to US media reports.
The move comes amid growing public criticism over the handling of the incident and the response from top federal officials. The shooting, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen, during an altercation involving Border Patrol agents.
Officials said the decision to withdraw some personnel follows widespread backlash directed at the conduct of federal agencies and statements made by senior figures, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Meanwhile, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement coordinator, is expected to travel to Minneapolis to oversee ongoing immigration operations and hold talks with local authorities.
According to federal officials, Pretti approached Border Patrol officers and behaved aggressively. Secretary Noem claimed he was armed with a semi-automatic handgun. However, video footage reviewed by independent analysts shows Pretti holding a mobile phone while recording the agents, with no visible weapon in his hands at the time of the shooting. The discrepancy has intensified scrutiny of the official account.
The incident has also prompted broader political consequences as public opinion shifts against the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies. Analysts note that the White House initially defended the agents involved but has since adjusted its messaging, placing greater emphasis on criticism of Democratic leaders rather than the circumstances of the shooting.
Democratic lawmakers have renewed calls for greater oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that current tactics extend beyond legitimate public safety concerns. The dispute comes as Congress faces a looming budget deadline, raising the possibility of another government shutdown.
Meanwhile, political fallout has emerged within Republican ranks in Minnesota. Chris Madel, a Republican candidate in the state’s upcoming gubernatorial race, announced he is withdrawing from the contest, citing opposition to what he described as punitive federal actions against residents of the state.
In a video statement, Madel said that while he supports deportations targeting serious criminal threats, recent enforcement efforts have expanded too broadly. He warned that citizens, particularly people of colour, are increasingly fearful and feel compelled to carry proof of citizenship. Madel also criticised the use of criminal investigations for political purposes, calling such actions unconstitutional.
Legal challenges are also underway. Minnesota state officials have asked a federal court to review the legality of the increased presence of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. In court filings, the state argued that the surge of officers amounts to an unlawful federal intrusion.
During a hearing on Monday, a federal judge raised concerns over a recent letter from the US Attorney General to Minnesota’s governor, which reportedly urged cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and access to state voter records. The judge suggested such demands could conflict with constitutional limits on federal authority over state governments.
The court has not yet issued a ruling, leaving the future of the federal deployment in Minnesota uncertain as legal, political, and public pressure continues to mount.
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