Trump-era immigration chief set to exit Minneapolis

Trump Administration Moves Immigration Leadership After Minneapolis Shooting

The Trump administration has decided to withdraw senior immigration official Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti by federal officers. The move signals a possible shift in the White House’s tone amid growing criticism of its aggressive immigration crackdown.As Bovino and several border patrol agents leave the city, President Donald Trump has assigned “border tsar” Tom Homan to lead on-the-ground immigration operations. Despite this change, federal agencies have continued immigration raids across Minneapolis.

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Shooting Sparks Protests, Calls for Accountability

Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti on Saturday after a confrontation while he was filming immigration officers. The Department of Homeland Security stated that agents fired in self-defence, claiming Pretti had a handgun. However, eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family disputed this account, saying he was holding a phone, not a weapon.

The shooting intensified public anger in Minneapolis, where more than 3,000 immigration agents are currently deployed. Residents, activists, and political leaders have demanded an independent investigation and a reduction in federal presence. President Trump later spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, agreeing to consider lowering agent numbers and allowing a state-led investigation.

Protests, vigils, and demonstrations against immigration enforcement continue across the city, with more planned in the coming days.

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