TLDR:
- Border czar Tom Homan deployed to Minneapolis after three ICE shootings in one month, including two fatalities
- Intensive-care nurse Alex Pretti shot dead while protesting Saturday; federal officials say he was armed but no evidence he drew weapon
- ICE agents relocated from Minnesota for safety as protesters vandalize hotels, disrupt church services
- Trump claims violent protests distract from “$20 billion plus” welfare fraud investigation targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar
President Trump is dispatching border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as the state erupts into what Trump called a “powder keg” of violence following three ICE shootings in Minneapolis this month.
The latest victim, intensive-care nurse Alex Pretti, was shot and killed Saturday while protesting ICE activity. Federal officials say Mr. Pretti was armed, though no evidence shows he pulled a gun on agents.
The shooting marks the second fatal ICE incident in January. Earlier this month, agents killed Renee Good, 37, after she allegedly used her car to interfere with an operation. A third shooting wounded a Venezuelan migrant in the leg.
ICE agents involved in Mr. Pretti’s death have been relocated out of state due to safety concerns as anti-ICE protests intensify. Demonstrators spray-painted and smashed windows at a Hilton hotel housing agents, prompting Minnesota State Police intervention. Protesters also disrupted a church service.
Mr. Trump said Mr. Homan will report directly to him and hinted the protests are designed to distract from a “major investigation” into “$20 billion plus welfare fraud” in Minnesota. The Justice Department is also investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota Democrat, whom Mr. Trump accused of profiting improperly.
Read more:
• Trump to send border czar Homan to Minnesota as tensions escalate after fatal shooting
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
