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Trump Announces 700‑Officer Minnesota Pullback, Calls for Softer Immigration Tactics

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  • Ammon Bundy speaks at a campaign event in Boise, Idaho on June 19, 2021.
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    Ammon Bundy speaks at a campaign event in Boise, Idaho on June 19, 2021. Source Full size
  • People visit a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer last week, in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
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    People visit a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer last week, in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy) Source Full size
  • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 27: Demonstrators protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota on January 27, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests and demonstrations continue around Minneapolis in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal law enforcement.
    Image: Newsweek
    MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 27: Demonstrators protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota on January 27, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests and demonstrations continue around Minneapolis in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal law enforcement. Source Full size
  • Alex Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital
    Image: BBC
    Alex Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital (AP) Source Full size
  • Chad Michael Watts, 45, of Kyle, Texas, was arrested on Tuesday on two counts of assault causing bodily injury. (Photo from Hays County Jail)
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  • A photograph of Alex Pretti rests at a vigil for the 37-year-old in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
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    A photograph of Alex Pretti rests at a vigil for the 37-year-old in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Source Full size
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  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks during the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on January 23, 2026 in Washington, DC.
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  • President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a spending bill that ends a partial shutdown of the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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  • Alex Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital
    Image: BBC
    Alex Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital (AP) Source Full size
  • President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a spending bill that ends a partial shutdown of the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
    Image: Newsweek
    President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a spending bill that ends a partial shutdown of the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Source Full size
  • Chad Michael Watts, 45, of Kyle, Texas, was arrested on Tuesday on two counts of assault causing bodily injury. (Photo from Hays County Jail)
    Image: Newsweek
    Chad Michael Watts, 45, of Kyle, Texas, was arrested on Tuesday on two counts of assault causing bodily injury. (Photo from Hays County Jail) Source Full size
  • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 27: Demonstrators protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota on January 27, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests and demonstrations continue around Minneapolis in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal law enforcement.
    Image: Newsweek
    MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 27: Demonstrators protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota on January 27, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests and demonstrations continue around Minneapolis in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal law enforcement. Source Full size
  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks during the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on January 23, 2026 in Washington, DC.
    Image: Newsweek
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks during the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on January 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. Source Full size
  • A photograph of Alex Pretti rests at a vigil for the 37-year-old in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    A photograph of Alex Pretti rests at a vigil for the 37-year-old in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Source Full size
  • Ammon Bundy speaks at a campaign event in Boise, Idaho on June 19, 2021.
    Image: Newsweek
    Ammon Bundy speaks at a campaign event in Boise, Idaho on June 19, 2021. Source Full size
  • People visit a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer last week, in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
    Image: Newsweek
    People visit a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer last week, in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy) Source Full size
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Trump Orders 700‑Officer Withdrawal Amid Minnesota Shootings President Donald Trump announced the immediate removal of roughly 700 federal immigration officers from Minnesota, cutting the force from about 3,000 to 2,000 agents [1][2][3][6][10][20]. The drawdown follows the fatal shootings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Jan 24 and mother Renee Good on Jan 7, incidents that sparked nationwide protests and bipartisan criticism [3][6][20]. Border “tsar” Tom Homan detailed the reduction and said the remaining agents will be equipped with body‑worn cameras [2][10][11]. Governor Tim Walz praised the step but urged a faster, larger pullback and independent investigations into the killings [2][6][10].

Administration Emphasizes Softer Immigration Tactics While Retaining Toughness In an NBC interview, Trump described the need for a “softer touch” in Minnesota while insisting the administration would stay “tough” on hard‑core criminals [1][3][6]. He linked the policy shift to the political untenability of Operation Metro Surge after the two deaths [3][6]. The president also warned that ICE’s aggressive posture has driven approval down to a record low of 39 % and that public perception of excessive force now exceeds 60 % [3][6]. Despite the softer rhetoric, Trump reaffirmed a hard‑line stance on immigration overall, calling for continued enforcement against “hard criminals” [1][6].

Body‑Camera Rollout and Agent Accountability Follow Shootings DHS Secretary Kristi Noem ordered that every field officer in Minneapolis receive body‑worn cameras immediately, with a nationwide expansion pending funding [9][10][11]. The two agents who fired on Pretti—Border Patrol officer Jesus Ochoa and CBP officer Raymundo Gutierrez—were placed on administrative leave, and a DOJ civil‑rights probe was launched [5][16][20]. Preliminary DHS reports confirmed the agents discharged roughly ten rounds and contradicted earlier claims that Pretti brandished a weapon [5][20]. The camera deployment aims to increase transparency after only a few officers wore them during the Pretti shooting, and the footage remains sealed [9][11].

Broader Policy Themes: AI, 2028 GOP Outlook, and Health Claim During the same NBC interview, Trump predicted artificial intelligence would become the “greatest jobs, military and medical producer,” while dismissing concerns about job displacement [1]. He praised JD Vance and Marco Rubio as “very capable” 2028 Republican prospects, refusing to name a preferred candidate [1]. Trump also asserted he feels “as fit as I did 15 years ago,” offering a personal health update [1]. NBC’s fact‑check labeled several of his statements—particularly on illegal‑entry numbers and alleged election fraud—as false or misleading [1].

Sources

Primary Data (2)

Quinnipac: Majority Of Voters Think Fatal Shooting Of Minneapolis Woman By Ice Agent Was Not Justified, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; 57% Of Voters Disapprove Of The Way Ice Is Enforcing Immigration Laws

Published (4 tables/charts)

  • 4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Kristi Noem is handling her job as Secretary of Homeland Security?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 36% 77% 4% 30% 43% 31%
    Disapprove 52 12 85 57 46 56
    DK/NA 12 11 11 13 11 14
    Source

  • 31. Do you approve or disapprove of the way U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, is enforcing immigration laws?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 40% 84% 4% 33% 48% 34%
    Disapprove 57 12 94 64 50 63
    DK/NA 3 4 2 3 2 4
    Source

  • 32. As you may know, an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis recently in an incident that was caught on video. Have you seen the video of this incident, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Have seen 82% 83% 81% 84% 83% 81%
    No 18 16 19 15 17 19
    Source

  • 33. As far as you are aware, do you think this shooting was justified, or not justified?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Justified 35% 77% 4% 28% 42% 30%
    Not justified 53 10 92 59 44 61
    DK/NA 12 13 4 14 14 9
    Source

Quinnipac: 61% Of Voters Think The Trump Administration Has Not Given An Honest Account Of The Fatal Shooting Of Alex Pretti, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; 58% Of Voters Think Dhs Secretary Kristi Noem Should Be Removed

Published (27 tables/charts)

  • 1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 37% 86% 3% 31% 45% 30%
    Disapprove 56 10 95 58 46 64
    DK/NA 7 4 2 11 8 6
    Source

  • 1a. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president? COMBINED WITH: (If approve/disapprove q1) Do you strongly or somewhat approve/disapprove?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve strongly 29% 70% 2% 22% 35% 24%
    Approve smwht 8 15 1 8 10 6
    Disapprove smwht 4 3 1 7 5 3
    Disapprove strongly 52 6 93 51 42 61
    DK/NA 7 5 3 11 9 6
    Source

  • 2. In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in the nation today; are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very satisfied 14% 32% 2% 12% 19% 10%
    Smwht satisfied 20 42 2 20 23 17
    Smwht dissatisfied 15 15 12 16 16 14
    Very dissatisfied 49 10 83 51 40 57
    DK/NA 2 2 1 - 2 1
    Source

  • 3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - the economy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 39% 84% 4% 34% 48% 31%
    Disapprove 56 11 94 60 47 65
    DK/NA 5 5 2 6 5 4
    Source

  • 4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - foreign policy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 37% 83% 3% 31% 45% 30%
    Disapprove 58 13 95 63 49 67
    DK/NA 5 4 2 6 6 4
    Source

  • 5. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - immigration issues?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 38% 87% 3% 31% 47% 30%
    Disapprove 59 10 96 65 50 67
    DK/NA 3 4 1 4 3 3
    Source

  • 6. Would you say you are optimistic or pessimistic about freedom of speech being protected in the United States?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Optimistic 47% 78% 22% 46% 56% 39%
    Pessimistic 47 15 73 48 37 56
    DK/NA 6 7 5 6 7 4
    Source

  • 7. Do you think the system of democracy in the United States is working, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Working 41% 72% 17% 40% 49% 34%
    No 51 18 79 52 45 57
    DK/NA 7 10 4 8 6 9
    Source

  • 8. If you had to choose, which would you prefer: giving most undocumented immigrants in the United States a pathway to legal status or deporting most undocumented immigrants in the United States?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Giving pathway 59% 19% 92% 61% 51% 66%
    Deporting 34 73 4 33 43 27
    DK/NA 7 7 4 6 6 7
    Source

  • 9. In its treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States, do you think the Trump administration is being: too harsh, too lenient, or handling this about right?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Too harsh 60% 14% 95% 68% 52% 68%
    Too lenient 7 15 1 5 11 3
    About right 30 67 2 26 35 26
    DK/NA 3 4 2 2 3 3
    Source

  • 10. Do you think the Trump administration's approach to immigration is making the country more safe, less safe, or is not affecting it either way?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    More safe 35% 77% 4% 29% 43% 28%
    Less safe 51 9 85 54 42 59
    Not affecting 12 12 11 13 13 11
    DK/NA 2 2 - 4 2 2
    Source

  • 11. Do you approve or disapprove of the way U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, is enforcing immigration laws?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 34% 77% 2% 28% 43% 25%
    Disapprove 63 17 97 68 54 70
    DK/NA 4 5 1 4 3 4
    Source

  • 12. ICE is one of the agencies run by Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security. Do you think Noem should remain in her job or should be removed from her job?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Remain 34% 74% 5% 29% 41% 27%
    Removed 58 17 91 62 51 64
    DK/NA 8 9 4 9 8 8
    Source

  • 13. As you may know, ICE agents fatally shot a man in Minneapolis named Alex Pretti in an incident on January 24th that was captured on video. Have you seen video of this incident, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Have seen 78% 74% 82% 79% 84% 73%
    No 21 26 17 21 16 26
    DK/NA 1 - 1 1 - 1
    Source

  • 14. As far as you are aware, do you think this shooting was justified, or not justified?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Justified 22% 55% 2% 16% 28% 17%
    Not justified 62 20 94 66 55 68
    DK/NA 16 25 4 18 17 15
    Source

  • 15. Do you think the Trump administration has given an honest account of the incident, or don't you think so?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Honest 25% 60% 2% 20% 29% 22%
    No 61 19 93 65 54 67
    DK/NA 14 21 5 15 17 11
    Source

  • 16. Do you think there should be an independent investigation into this shooting, or don't you think so?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Should 80% 56% 96% 85% 78% 82%
    No 15 36 3 12 17 14
    DK/NA 4 8 1 4 5 4
    Source

  • 17. Do you think the recent ICE-involved shootings in Minneapolis: are isolated incidents or are a sign of broader problems in the way ICE is operating?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Isolated incidents 32% 67% 6% 28% 38% 27%
    Broader problems 59 17 92 63 52 65
    DK/NA 9 17 2 9 10 8
    Source

  • 18. Do you think ICE should withdraw from Minneapolis or continue its operations in Minneapolis?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Withdraw 60% 18% 94% 64% 52% 68%
    Continue 36 77 4 32 45 28
    DK/NA 4 4 2 4 4 4
    Source

  • 19. Do you support or oppose recent protests against ICE?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 60% 18% 94% 65% 53% 66%
    Oppose 35 76 5 29 40 30
    DK/NA 5 6 1 7 6 4
    Source

  • 20. Do you think the Trump administration has deployed ICE agents in Minneapolis: more for legitimate law enforcement purposes or more for political reasons?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Law enforcement 37% 80% 6% 31% 46% 29%
    Political 56 13 90 61 47 64
    DK/NA 7 8 4 8 7 8
    Source

  • 21. Thinking about people in your family, community, work or school, would you say you know someone who is living in fear because of the Trump administration's deportation policies, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Know 47% 19% 65% 51% 40% 53%
    No 51 81 30 48 59 44
    DK/NA 3 - 4 1 2 3
    Source

  • 22. Do you think ICE agents should be required to wear body cameras, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Required 92% 83% 99% 94% 89% 95%
    No 5 11 - 3 8 2
    DK/NA 3 6 1 3 3 3
    Source

  • 23. Do you think ICE agents should be permitted to wear masks or other face coverings, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Permitted 35% 73% 6% 32% 45% 27%
    No 61 23 93 65 52 70
    DK/NA 3 4 1 3 3 3
    Source

  • 24. As you may know, ICE agents are going to be joining the U.S. security team at the Olympics in Italy. Do you think this is a good idea or bad idea?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Good idea 24% 52% 5% 21% 30% 19%
    Bad idea 63 26 91 66 55 69
    DK/NA 13 22 4 13 15 12
    Source

  • 25. Do you think the federal government should provide more funding for ICE, less funding for ICE, or keep ICE funding at about its current level?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    More funding 14% 36% 1% 9% 18% 11%
    Less funding 51 10 84 57 43 59
    Keep current 30 49 11 30 34 26
    DK/NA 5 5 4 4 5 5
    Source

  • 26. As you may know, the United States bombed nuclear facilities in Iran last summer. Do you support or oppose additional U.S. military strikes against Iran to try to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 45% 81% 16% 43% 54% 37%
    Oppose 42 10 69 43 35 48
    DK/NA 13 9 16 13 12 15
    Source

Videos (6)

Timeline

Dec 1, 2025 – The Trump administration launches Operation Metro Surge, deploying roughly 3,000 ICE, CBP and Border Patrol agents to the Twin Cities as part of a nationwide immigration‑enforcement push [4].

Jan 7, 2026 – ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shoots immigrant activist Renee Good during a traffic stop in Minneapolis, sparking immediate protests and bipartisan criticism of the federal crackdown [4][20].

Jan 13, 2026 – Video released by The News Movement shows Alex Pretti confronting ICE agents, kicking a federal SUV’s taillight, being forced to the ground and having a legally‑owned handgun visible in his waistband, though he never draws it [11][12].

Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol agents open fire on Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse and legal gun owner, after detaining him during a protest; by‑stander footage shows him holding only a phone while agents spray a chemical irritant, contradicting agency claims that he brandished a weapon [9][28][30].

Jan 25, 2026 – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demand a full withdrawal of federal agents and file a lawsuit to preserve evidence, while the National Guard is activated to support local police [25][26].

Jan 26, 2026 – President Trump announces the removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from Minnesota and dispatches White House “border czar” Tom Homan to oversee the operation, signaling a leadership shift amid the fallout [17][18].

Jan 27, 2026 – Homan tells reporters the administration will “draw down” federal personnel if state and local officials cooperate, but offers no specific numbers or timeline; simultaneously, two federal officers are identified as having fired Glock pistols in the Pretti killing [15][17].

Jan 28, 2026 – President Trump tells Fox News the administration will “de‑escalate a little bit” in Minnesota after the two fatal shootings, while blaming DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for operational errors and pledging a “big investigation” [13][14].

Jan 30, 2026 – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announces a DOJ civil‑rights probe into Pretti’s death, with the FBI leading the investigation and the two agents placed on administrative leave [4][5].

Jan 30, 2026 – Homan reiterates that a targeted draw‑down of agents is possible pending local cooperation, and President Trump labels Pretti an “agitator” on social media, further inflaming the debate [5].

Feb 2, 2026 – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem orders immediate deployment of body‑worn cameras to every federal officer in Minneapolis, with plans to expand nationwide once funding is secured, amid a partial government shutdown and mounting pressure for reform [2].

Feb 4, 2026 – President Trump appears on NBC News and urges a “softer touch” by immigration officers while the White House announces the withdrawal of 700 agents from the Minneapolis force, reducing the presence to roughly 2,000 officers [1][6].

Feb 4, 2026 – New polls show 55 % of Americans view Pretti’s death as excessive force (Ipsos) and 62 % deem the shooting unjustified (Quinnipiac), with Republican support for the agents’ actions falling sharply, underscoring a steep decline in public backing for ICE [6].

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