Unrest continues to grip Minnesota following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a protest in Minneapolis, prompting growing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s response. As demonstrations spread and calls for accountability intensify, President Donald Trump has moved to reshuffle federal leadership in the state. On January 26, Trump announced that White House border czar Tom Homan would take direct control of the federal response in Minnesota, sidelining Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from day-to-day operations. In a Truth Social post, Trump described Homan as “tough but fair” and said he would report directly to the president. Trump also used the announcement to raise unrelated allegations about welfare fraud in the state and claimed Representative Ilhan Omar was under investigation—assertions that further fueled political controversy amid the crisis.

The leadership shift comes as pressure mounts for a full, independent investigation into Pretti’s death. The 37-year-old nurse was killed during an ICE operation, and video footage circulating online has intensified public outrage, appearing to contradict federal claims that agents acted in self-defense. Trump has acknowledged concerns, telling The Wall Street Journal that the incident is under review, but he declined to offer a clear assessment of the agent’s actions or a timeline for conclusions. Former President Barack Obama issued a rare and forceful condemnation, calling the killing a “heartbreaking tragedy” and accusing federal agents of using aggressive tactics that have endangered civilians. Meanwhile, Pretti’s family has publicly rejected the administration’s account, saying he was unarmed and attempting to protect another protester when he was shot. As protests continue, Pretti’s death has become a national flashpoint, intensifying demands for transparency, accountability, and restraint in federal law enforcement operations.