Trump Adopts Conciliatory Stance in Minnesota Amid Fatal Shootings, ICE Funding Standoff

President Trump Shifts Tone Amid Minneapolis Fallout

President Donald Trump has adopted a notably more conciliatory approach toward Minnesota Democrats, engaging in discussions with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. This shift follows widespread outcry and political pressure stemming from two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, which have also ignited a contentious debate in Congress over funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), threatening a potential government shutdown.

Fatal Shootings Spark Outcry and Investigations

The recent events in Minneapolis include the deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents. On January 7, 2026, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed by an ICE agent. Just weeks later, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent during protests against the administration's immigration crackdown.

Initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security claimed Pretti approached officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. However, videos verified by CBS News show Pretti holding a phone, not a weapon, before being shot. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office have sought and received a temporary restraining order from U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud, compelling DHS to preserve all evidence related to Pretti's shooting, citing concerns over federal personnel's handling of the scene.

Initially, President Trump had lashed out at Minnesota's Democratic leadership, accusing them of inciting chaos and suggesting a 'cover-up' for fraud investigations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also blamed Minnesota Democrats for the 'tragedy.'

Trump's Policy Reversal and Leadership Changes

Following the public backlash and a poll indicating that 58% of Americans believe his immigration crackdown has gone too far, President Trump signaled a change in strategy. He held 'very good' phone calls with Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, with Walz noting a 'definite change of tone' from the President. Mayor Frey stated that President Trump agreed 'that the present situation cannot continue.'

As part of this new approach, Trump announced the removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who had been a visible figure in the Minneapolis operations. In his place, Trump is deploying 'border czar' Tom Homan to Minnesota, who will report directly to the President.

Congressional Standoff Over ICE Funding

The events in Minneapolis have intensified a looming battle in Congress over federal funding. Senate Democrats have pledged to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE, unless significant accountability measures and policy changes are included. This stance could lead to a partial government shutdown by Friday if a broader funding package is not approved.

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), while calling for the Minneapolis immigration operation to 'immediately end,' has stated he will not vote to shut down the government. Meanwhile, a group of activists is calling for a 'National Shutdown' on Friday to protest ICE. Adding to the administration's challenges, Chief Federal Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in Minnesota has ordered Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court to explain why the agency has failed to comply with orders regarding due process for detained immigrants.