MINNEAPOLIS —(HornPost) President Donald Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota on Jan. 26, 2026, following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
The move came amid growing protests and political pressure over the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation on Jan. 24.
Trump announced Homan’s deployment in a social media post. He described the border czar as “tough but fair” and said Homan would report directly to him.
Trump Assigns Homan to Oversee Minnesota Response
Homan previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also served as Trump’s border czar.
The president said Homan knew many people in Minnesota. He tasked him with addressing the tensions surrounding federal immigration operations.
White House officials also said Homan would work with state and local authorities to improve cooperation. <escape></escape>
The deployment followed criticism from Minnesota leaders. Gov. Tim Walz had called for federal agents to leave the state and supported an independent investigation into the shooting.
Pretti Shooting Sparks Public Outcry
Pretti’s death was the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January.
Earlier, an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renée Good on Jan. 7. Both deaths triggered protests and raised questions about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. <escape></escape>
Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and local prosecutors sought access to evidence from the Pretti shooting.
A federal court issued an order on Jan. 25 barring federal agencies from destroying or altering evidence related to the incident.
Federal Immigration Operation Faces Scrutiny
The enforcement campaign, known as Operation Metro Surge, brought large numbers of federal agents to the Minneapolis area.
The administration said the operation targeted undocumented immigrants, particularly people with criminal records. However, the shootings and clashes with protesters intensified criticism of the campaign.
At the time, reports also indicated that Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino could leave Minnesota as officials reviewed the federal operation.
Investigations Continue
Federal and state authorities pursued investigations into Pretti’s death.
State officials sought to preserve evidence and gain access to materials held by federal agencies. In addition, a federal judge ordered authorities to protect evidence connected to the shooting.
The Trump administration defended its immigration enforcement operations. However, Trump said he was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and would reach a decision after examining the facts.
HornPost Staff Reporter
