Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey revealed that he had a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday regarding the immigration crackdown in the city, resulting in the announcement that some federal officers would be departing. Frey mentioned that during the phone call, he urged Trump to halt the surge in immigration enforcement, which Trump acknowledged as unsustainable. While some agents will begin their departure on Tuesday, Frey expressed his intention to continue advocating for the removal of other personnel involved in Operation Metro Surge.
In a social media post, Trump confirmed the positive dialogue with Frey, noting progress being made. Among the officers expected to leave is senior Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, whose leadership in aggressive enforcement actions nationwide has sparked backlash, particularly following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents. Trump had earlier dispatched his border czar Tom Homan to oversee the immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
The controversy surrounding Bovino escalated after his defense of the Pretti shooting and conflicting accounts of the incident. Trump and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz also engaged in a conversation, signaling a shift in their relationship, with both emphasizing the need for impartial investigations into the shootings. Meanwhile, a federal judge heard arguments in a lawsuit seeking to halt the immigration operation, with questions raised about the government’s actions and requests to the state.
Videos reviewed by The Associated Press contradicted the administration’s claims that the shooting was defensive, raising concerns about the handling of the incident. The unrest in Minneapolis-St. Paul has led to legal actions by the state and cities against the Department of Homeland Security, with efforts to restore order before the launch of Operation Metro Surge. The developments could have broader political implications, potentially affecting government funding and operations.
Multiple investigations, both internal and external, are underway to probe the circumstances surrounding the shootings, as scrutiny mounts on federal immigration tactics in Minnesota. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal battles and public outcry shaping the discourse around federal law enforcement practices.