Trump orders federal agents to stay away from protests in Democrat cities

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.

Gregory Bovino, a recently demoted border patrol official, reportedly mocked US Minnesota attorney Daniel Rosen's Jewish faith during a January 12th phone call with prosecutors. Bovino allegedly made sarcastic remarks about Rosen observing Shabbat and used the term "chosen people" derisively. The call followed Bovino's request for a meeting with Rosen to push for a stronger response to those impeding federal agents enforcing immigration policies. Bovino's demotion also follows his controversial handling of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, who was filming immigration officials in Minneapolis, and Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an ICE agent. Bovino had initially claimed Pretti intended to "massacre" federal agents, a claim contradicted by video evidence.

Following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration is considering reducing its presence in the city if local officials cooperate with federal authorities. White House Border Tsar Tom Homan stated the immigration enforcement operation would continue, but in a more "targeted" manner. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have sparked protests and criticism, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, calling for a complete withdrawal of federal agents. The state has also requested a federal judge halt "Operation Metro Surge," involving approximately 3,000 DHS officers. The administration has criticized Minneapolis' "sanctuary city policy" and demands more cooperation from state and local officials, though specific demands remain unclear.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned fellow mayors at a US conference in Washington D.C. that their cities could be targeted by federal immigration agents if they don't publicly oppose President Trump's policies. Frey criticized the deployment of 3,000-4,000 federal agents to Minneapolis, calling it an "invasion" following the fatal shooting of a protester by ICE agents. He attributed the deployment to a "might makes right" philosophy championed by Stephen Miller. Frey stated that Minneapolis was previously safe with falling crime rates, but the deployment, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," has created chaos and fear within the community. He cited the deaths of two residents and the detention of children as evidence of the operation's negative impact.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis has intensified public outcry over the tactics used in the city's immigration operations. The incident, the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in under a month, led to increased tensions and frequent protests. New footage shows an altercation between Pretti and federal officers 11 days before his death, confirmed by a family spokesperson. The backlash prompted President Trump to announce a "de-escalation" of federal activity in Minneapolis. The BBC has analyzed the new footage and examined how Trump's stance on Minneapolis shifted following the shooting.

In Minneapolis, two US federal agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, on January 29, 2026. The shooting occurred during an immigration raid, prompting outrage and a vigil for the victim. The agents' removal from duty is a response to the fallout from the incident. Al Jazeera's Manuel Rapalo is reporting on the ongoing situation. The event is the most recent in a series of killings of US citizens that have sparked public concern.

New videos show Alex Pretti in a scuffle with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on January 13, 2026, eleven days before his death. The videos, which emerged Wednesday, show Pretti kicking out the tail light of the officers' vehicle during a protest. He is then seen shouting an expletive and struggling with the officers, who forcefully take him to the ground. The videos show Pretti's coat coming off during the altercation. It is unclear whether he broke free or was released by the officers. Pretti was later shot and killed by Border Patrol officers.

In Minneapolis, local rapid response networks and mutual aid groups are mobilizing in response to increased activity by federal immigration agents. Organizations like The TakeMinneapolis are drawing on lessons from movements that emerged after the 2020 killing of George Floyd to build a sustained community defense. These efforts include organizing protests and providing support to those affected by immigration enforcement. The movement also involves observers, such as Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents. The protests and organizing efforts are ongoing as of January 29, 2026, with the goal of community defense against federal immigration actions.

On January 28, 2026, President Trump signaled interest in de-escalating tensions in Minneapolis following a second fatal shooting by federal agents. Despite this signal, the situation on the ground in Minneapolis remained largely unchanged. Federal agents were active in Blaine, Minnesota, and a memorial was erected for Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse shot by federal agents. The Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis was also pictured. Federal Bureau of Prisons officers threatened an AP video journalist with arrest, and chemical irritants were used by federal officers, requiring medical attention for at least one person.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minnesota, President Trump stated his administration would "de-escalate" its presence in the state. This shooting, along with the earlier death of Renee Good in January, sparked protests and criticism from lawmakers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino from the Minnesota mission and deployed Tom Homan to meet with local officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey. Trump called Pretti's death "unfortunate" and commented on Pretti carrying a gun, while DHS claimed agents acted in self-defense after Pretti resisted disarming, a claim disputed by eyewitnesses. Pretti's death intensified calls for the withdrawal of 3,000 immigration agents from the region.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the two involved Department of Homeland Security agents have been placed on administrative leave. This action coincides with President Trump's suggestion to "de-escalate" immigration enforcement in Minnesota, though details remain unclear. Despite this, immigration raids have continued, including an incident at the Ecuadorian consulate. The shooting and subsequent response have drawn criticism, including from the NRA, and fueled plans for large-scale protests. The Department of Homeland Security is conducting an investigation into the shooting, while Trump awaits the results.

A Department of Homeland Security report revealed that two federal officers fired their weapons during the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. The incident involved a US Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection officer who discharged their weapons after a struggle with Pretti on an icy street. According to the report, a Border Patrol agent yelled, "He's got a gun" before the shooting occurred. The report does not specify how many shots were fired or whether bullets from both officers struck Pretti. The shooting has sparked protests and condemnation, prompting President Trump to call for an investigation and suggest a potential de-escalation of immigration enforcement in the city.

In January 2026, President Trump announced plans to "de-escalate" the crisis in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of two citizens, including ICU nurse Alex Pretti, by Border Patrol agents. The shootings occurred amidst a federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, sparking protests and a standoff between state and federal officials. Pretti was filming officers when he was shot; he was also a licensed gun owner. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees ICE and CBP, is facing criticism and calls for her resignation over her response, including accusing Pretti of "domestic terrorism." Despite the controversy, Trump expressed confidence in Noem. The administration's actions in Minnesota have drawn widespread condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans.

President Trump stated he would "de-escalate a little bit" in Minneapolis following outcry over the fatal shootings of two people by federal immigration agents. This decision follows the deployment of border official Tom Homan to the city and the expected removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Trump described Bovino as "pretty out there" and characterized the changes as a "little bit of a change" rather than a pullback. Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey amidst the controversy. Trump also addressed the shooting of a protester, rejecting the "assassin" label used by an aide to describe him.

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 death of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer, the Trump administration has shifted its stance, a pattern noted in the article's title. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the killing resulted from "deliberate and hostile resistance by Democrat leaders" and distanced Trump from labeling Pretti an "assassin." Despite expressing confidence in DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the White House is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis as the main point of contact for ongoing federal immigration operations as of January 26, 2026. The events are unfolding in Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. The reason for the shift is not explicitly stated, but the article suggests it is part of a recurring pattern of sudden changes in the administration's approach.

In 2026, the United States has seen multiple deaths linked to immigration law enforcement, including at least nine this month. The recent killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis have sparked protests and calls for accountability. At least six immigrants have died in ICE custody this year, while another person was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE officer. Last year, 32 deaths were reported in ICE custody, with some families alleging abuse and medical neglect. Another case involves Keith Porter, who was shot and killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve, with conflicting accounts of the incident.

Health professionals honored ICU nurse Alex Pretti, age 37, as his body was removed from a Minneapolis hospital on January 27, 2026. Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration crackdown. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the United States. Pretti's colleagues paid tribute to his service as an ICU nurse. The shooting occurred during a federal operation targeting immigration violations. The event has drawn national attention and criticism.

Ahead of a speech in Iowa, US soybean farmers are concerned about potential trade blowback from China due to escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing. Farmers like Randall Shelby fear that President Trump's foreign policy actions, while intended to benefit the US, could provoke retaliatory measures from China, a major soybean importer. This could further erode the US share of the Chinese market, benefiting South American producers. Shelby, a Trump supporter, worries that these geopolitical maneuvers may not yield positive results for farmers and could negatively impact their livelihoods. The concerns arise as Trump aims to reassure farmers in Iowa, a key soybean-producing state, before the upcoming midterm elections.

In January 2026, the White House criticized the media for its coverage of the Alex Pretti killing in Minnesota. The incident began when a writer from a right-wing website questioned the White House spokesperson about the killing, which involved immigration agents. The White House responded by accusing the "liberal biased media" of sensationalism in its reporting of the event. The criticism followed the writer's question, suggesting the White House believed the media's portrayal of the killing was unfair or inaccurate. The specific details of the killing and the exact nature of the media's coverage were not detailed in the report.

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has become a prominent figure in President Trump's deportation efforts. Bovino defended recent immigration sweeps in Minneapolis, where federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse. The Trump administration claimed Pretti possessed a pistol and posed a threat, but video footage contradicts this, showing Pretti unarmed. Bovino asserted that the agents acted appropriately, preventing harm to law enforcement. The incident and Bovino's defense have drawn increased scrutiny to the administration's immigration policies and tactics.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is demanding President Trump withdraw the agents from the state. Pretti's death, the second such incident in Minneapolis involving federal agents in less than three weeks, has sparked outrage and intensified protests against the immigration crackdown. The Trump administration claims Pretti intended to harm the agents, citing a pistol found on him, but video evidence appears to contradict this account. Walz questioned Trump's plan and the need for federal agents in Minnesota, while administration officials defended the shooting. The incident has fueled calls for an independent investigation and further inflamed tensions between state and federal authorities.

The White House addressed the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota by federal officers, stating President Trump does not want people hurt but will continue deporting "violent criminal illegal aliens." Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed the incident on Democratic leaders in Minnesota. However, video footage contradicts the administration's claim of self-defense, showing Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, when agents wrestled him to the ground and later retrieved a firearm from his waistband before shooting him. The incident occurred on Saturday, and Pretti was a licensed gun owner. Leavitt reiterated Trump's commitment to deporting criminal illegal aliens to ensure American safety.