Border Agents on Leave After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting

Two US Customs and Border Protection agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, have been placed on administrative leave following standard protocol for federal law enforcement shootings.

The killing of the American citizen in Minneapolis last Saturday has ignited fresh protests across Minnesota and sparked bipartisan calls for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Contradictory Accounts Under Scrutiny

Initial official statements claimed Pretti "brandished" a gun during the encounter. However, BBC analysis of available video footage found no evidence of a weapon in Pretti's hands. A preliminary DHS report to Congress now tells a different story: during a physical struggle, an officer shouted that Pretti had a gun, prompting two agents to open fire.

Secretary Kristi Noem had immediately labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist" after the shooting. This characterization, now contradicted by evidence, has intensified calls from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers for her resignation. On Wednesday, senior House Democrats threatened impeachment proceedings unless Noem resigns or is fired.

The timing of the administrative leave remains unclear. On Sunday, CBP Commander Gregory Bovino told reporters the agents were still working but in a different city. The policy shift suggests mounting pressure on the department to follow standard protocols.

Trump's Mixed Messages on Minneapolis

President Donald Trump promised to "de-escalate" the situation in Minneapolis on Tuesday, yet simultaneously escalated his war of words with city leadership. When Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirmed the city's sanctuary policies and declared Minneapolis "will not enforce federal immigration laws," Trump responded on Truth Social: "Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!"

Attorney General Pam Bondi arrived in Minneapolis Wednesday, announcing the arrest of 16 individuals for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement during protests. "We expect more arrests to come," she added, signaling continued federal intervention despite calls for de-escalation.

Legal Pushback Gains Momentum

A federal judge delivered a sharp rebuke to the administration Wednesday, ordering the release of all refugees arrested while awaiting permanent residency documents. Judge John Tunheim stated refugees "are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border," calling the US "a haven of individual liberties."

The ruling represents a significant legal challenge to Operation Metro Surge, which DHS claims has arrested over 3,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota since December 1st. The operation, touted as the largest of its kind, aims to fulfill Trump's campaign promise of aggressive immigration enforcement.

Representative Ilhan Omar, who has demanded immigration officers leave Minneapolis, was attacked Tuesday evening when a man squirted apple cider vinegar at her during a public event. The suspect, Anthony Kazmierczak, faces third-degree assault charges. Omar blamed Trump's "hateful rhetoric" for increasing threats against her, noting that "death threats skyrocket" whenever the president attacks her community.

Congressional Funding Battle Looms

Both parties are now discussing removing DHS funding from upcoming spending legislation needed to prevent a government shutdown on February 1st. The bipartisan nature of this threat signals how deeply the Minneapolis incidents have shaken confidence in federal immigration enforcement.

The controversy extends beyond Minnesota, with similar protests and legal challenges emerging in Democratic-led cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland as Trump deploys DHS agents and National Guard units nationwide.