US judge declines to halt immigration surge in Minnesota amid protests

White House border czar Tom Homan stated in Minneapolis on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that a reduction in immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota is possible, but only with cooperation from state officials. Homan's visit followed the fatal shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer. He emphasized the need for local jails to notify ICE about individuals in their custody who are subject to deportation, arguing that transferring immigrants to ICE within the jail setting is safer and reduces the need for street operations. Homan also expressed "zero tolerance" for protesters who assault officers or impede their work. He indicated a potential shift towards "targeted operations" focused on apprehending immigrants with criminal records.

President Trump is scheduled to give a speech in Iowa focusing on "affordability" as a shift in Republican messaging. This comes amid growing protests and outrage following the death of Alex Pretti in Minnesota on Saturday, related to Trump's immigration crackdown. Trump appears to be softening his stance on immigration enforcement in response to the public outcry. As part of this shift, Trump has reassigned the chief of immigration raids. The speech is an attempt to address public concerns and pivot the administration's focus.

Following the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by ICE agents in Minneapolis, President Trump is sending his border tsar, Tom Homan, to Minnesota. Trump announced Homan's deployment on Monday, stating he will report directly to him and manage ICE operations in the state. The move comes after public outcry over the shootings. Trump indicated his administration is reviewing the recent incident and suggested a potential withdrawal of immigration enforcement officials from the Minneapolis area at some point in the future, though he provided no specific timeline. The decision follows increased scrutiny of ICE operations in Minneapolis.

A U.S. judge declined to halt the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota, despite a lawsuit from the state's Attorney General and the mayors of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The lawsuit sought to block a Department of Homeland Security operation that deployed thousands of immigration agents to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. The decision comes amid mass protests sparked by the killings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in January 2026. Tensions escalated after an ICE agent fatally shot a Minneapolis woman on January 7, and federal border agents killed a nurse on January 24. While the judge acknowledged the operation's negative impact, she ruled that the balance of harms did not favor an injunction.

A federal judge denied Minnesota's request to halt Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. The state, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit after two deaths connected to the operation sparked protests. They argued the Trump administration violated the 10th Amendment, infringing on state autonomy. Judge Menendez acknowledged the operation's impact and allegations of misconduct by ICE and CBP agents, but stated the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a violation of the 10th Amendment. The US attorney general celebrated the ruling as a victory for federal law enforcement. The state's lawyer claimed the situation was unprecedented, describing the agents as an "army" deployed to Minneapolis.

A federal judge denied Minnesota's request to block the Trump administration's surge of ICE agents into Minneapolis. Judge Katherine Menendez acknowledged the potential for "profound" consequences but stated the state failed to prove the deployment was unlawful. The ruling comes amid nationwide protests sparked by the deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, fatally shot by federal agents in January. Demonstrations, including a "National Shutdown," have taken place in cities across the US, protesting ICE's actions and calling for defunding the agency. Protesters are citing concerns about racial profiling and excessive force, alleging that ICE and CBP agents have engaged in harmful actions. The protests are also in response to other deaths caused by ICE, including Silverio Villegas-Gonzales.

Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai is calling for ICE to leave Minnesota following increased federal immigration enforcement and the death of a resident, Alex Pretti, shot by federal agents. Chughtai reports that ICE agents are creating fear and unrest in the city's southside, home to a large immigrant community, through daily raids and aggressive tactics. She says that two of the three homicides in Minneapolis this year were perpetrated by ICE. Chughtai is urging local leaders to arrest those responsible for the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good, and is asking Minnesota's governor to declare a state of emergency and implement an eviction moratorium to protect renters. Despite the fear, Chughtai emphasizes the community's resilience and commitment to supporting their neighbors.

Following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, resistance to ICE activity has intensified. Thousands of Minnesotans have volunteered to track ICE agents, motivated by the recent incident and the surge of immigration enforcement officials in the city. The increased activism comes despite potential risks and fears among volunteers. The death of Good occurred during an immigration enforcement action near the home of another US citizen, Fabiola, who was spurred to action by the event. A second person, Alex Pretti, a US citizen and ICU nurse, was also recently shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, US immigration agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, on January 25, 2026. The incident has generated significant outrage and protests. Authorities claim Pretti posed a "violent threat," but video evidence and witness accounts reportedly contradict this assertion. This marks the second instance of a US citizen being killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under scrutiny, particularly discrepancies between the official account and available evidence. The investigation seeks to determine the justification for the use of deadly force by the immigration agents.

Federal officers shot and killed a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. The Associated Press obtained a hospital record confirming the death. Following the shooting, federal immigration officers deployed tear gas, including towards observers at the scene. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he contacted the White House regarding the incident. The shooting occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement efforts.

On Saturday in Minneapolis, federal immigration officers shot and killed a 37-year-old man, prompting protests in a city already dealing with tensions from a previous fatal shooting. The incident occurred amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, according to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Details of the shooting remain unclear, but the Department of Homeland Security stated the individual possessed a firearm with two magazines. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara urged peaceful demonstrations, acknowledging public anger and unanswered questions while cautioning against violence and property damage. Authorities have released limited information as the situation continues to unfold.

A 37-year-old U.S. citizen was fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis during a targeted operation at 9:05 a.m. local time. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation involved Border Patrol officers targeting an individual allegedly in the country illegally and wanted for violent assault. The DHS claims the deceased approached officers with a handgun and violently resisted attempts to disarm him. Authorities have pleaded for calm amid rising tensions and questions surrounding the incident. The shooting occurred less than three weeks after an ICE officer was killed. Further details regarding the struggle are expected to be released.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse, was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday during a protest. Videos circulating online show Pretti being wrestled to the ground by multiple law enforcement officers before shots were fired. According to one video, the incident occurred after Pretti appeared to defend an observer who was shoved by an officer. Authorities claim the agent fired "defensive shots" amidst a crowd of people they characterized as "rioters." Pretti, described as a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, had a record only of traffic tickets. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Pretti's death at the scene. This is the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this month involving federal agents.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and US citizen died after being shot by federal agents. The shooting occurred amid increased immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, part of President Trump's anti-immigration push. According to the Department of Homeland Security, a US Border Patrol agent shot the man, who allegedly had a handgun and resisted disarming. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara called for federal agencies to operate with discipline and integrity. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanded the President end the operation and remove federal officers from the state. This incident follows a previous shooting earlier in the month where an ICE officer killed a woman in Minneapolis.

Christian leaders are advocating for the protection of worshippers' rights after a group of protesters disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident occurred at Cities Church, a Southern Baptist church, during a Sunday service. Approximately three dozen protesters entered the church, chanting slogans like "ICE out" and referencing a woman fatally shot by an ICE officer. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the disruption, which targeted the church due to one of its pastors being an official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protesters were demonstrating against immigration enforcement policies.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Pretti, described as a dedicated and caring individual, also participated in protests, including those following the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer. Videos circulating online show Pretti directing traffic, filming agents, and seemingly defending a legal observer before being tackled and shot by multiple officers. His father stated that Pretti was motivated by a deep concern for others and opposition to ICE policies. The incident is part of a larger crackdown in Minnesota by federal agents and marks the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this month involving federal law enforcement.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti. Pretti's family identified him as an ICU nurse at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. According to the Associated Press, the shooting occurred amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Pretti was reportedly upset by the immigration policies and had participated in protests following a previous shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs officer earlier in January. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he had contacted the White House regarding the incident.

In Minneapolis, January 2026, residents are providing safe houses for immigrant children who have been separated from their parents or are being sought by federal immigration agents. This action comes amidst a surge of over 2,000 federal agents in the city conducting an immigration crackdown, which has led to clashes with protesters. Volunteers, including some who previously voted for Trump, are working to covertly disrupt the operation by relocating children to protect them from potential detention. One instance involves children fleeing their home to avoid immigration enforcement, while another involves a 5-month-old baby whose mother was detained. The organization "Source MN" is also involved in hiding children whose parents have been detained.