Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called on President Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents from the state following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis, saying the situation has become dangerous and unacceptable.
Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse, was killed during an encounter involving federal immigration agents. The shooting has intensified public anger and sparked protests across Minneapolis, coming amid a broader federal enforcement push that has already drawn heavy criticism from local and state leaders.
Walz described the incident as deeply disturbing and warned that continued federal operations could lead to further loss of life. He questioned the necessity of deploying federal agents in Minnesota without coordination with state and local authorities and said the approach has undermined public safety and trust.
Federal officials have maintained that agents acted in self-defense, while the circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation. The conflicting accounts have fueled demands for transparency and accountability from community leaders and civil rights advocates.
The governor’s remarks mark a sharp escalation in tensions between Minnesota officials and the White House, highlighting an ongoing clash over immigration enforcement, the use of force, and the balance of authority between federal and state governments as unrest continues in the Twin Cities.