Trump Replaces Minneapolis Border Patrol Chief After ICU Nurse’s Fatal Shooting
Updated (2 articles)
Fatal Shooting of ICU Nurse Sparks Nationwide Outcry On Jan. 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old VA ICU nurse, was shot dead by Border Patrol agents during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis; dozens of by‑standers captured the killing on cellphone video, showing Pretti unarmed and forced to the ground before being shot at point‑blank range [1][2]. The footage ignited bipartisan condemnation, prompting protests and demands for accountability from family, state officials, and civil‑rights groups [1][2]. Federal investigators initially faced barriers to evidence preservation, leading local authorities to seek court intervention [1].
Administration Reacts With Leadership Shuffle and Defensive Rhetoric President Donald Trump announced the removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis, appointing border czar Tom Homan to oversee ICE operations and “de‑escalate” tensions [1]. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and DHS secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents, labeling Pretti a “would‑be assassin” and claiming the shooting was defensive [2]. Noem’s earlier description of Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” drew criticism from Republicans such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Thom Tillis, who called for her resignation [1].
Judicial and Congressional Oversight Intensify U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued an extraordinary order compelling ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to appear in court, warning of contempt for repeated violations of prior orders tied to the immigration crackdown [1]. House Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Andrew Garbarino scheduled hearings for Feb. 10, demanding testimony from ICE, CBP, and USCIS leaders [1]. Senate Homeland Security Committee Chair Rand Paul and other GOP senators joined calls for accountability, while Democrats pushed impeachment proceedings against Noem [1].
Public Opinion Plummets and Funding Threats Escalate A Reuters‑Ipsos poll released Jan. 26 showed 53 % of Americans disapproved of Trump’s immigration handling, and an American Research Group survey placed his overall approval at a historic low of 35 % [1]. Trump dismissed the results as “fake” on Truth Social, while Democratic senators threatened to block DHS funding, risking a partial government shutdown [2]. Former presidents issued statements urging a national reckoning, highlighting the broader debate over warrantless home entries and Fourth Amendment protections introduced in a new ICE memo [2].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump Administration Faces Intensified Scrutiny After Minnesota Nurse’s Fatal Shooting – Details the Jan. 24 shooting, bipartisan backlash, Noem’s controversial remarks, Trump’s leadership changes, judicial orders, upcoming hearings, and record‑low approval ratings .
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2.
CNN: Minnesota ICU Nurse Shooting Sparks National Debate Over Federal Immigration Enforcement – Emphasizes the video evidence contradicting official narratives, Trump’s blame of Democrats, internal DHS dissent, the new ICE warrantless‑entry memo, and looming funding battles .
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 – Renee Good, a Minneapolis nurse, is killed by federal agents during an immigration raid, with cellphone video capturing the shooting and igniting the first of two similar killings that fuel a national debate over immigration enforcement [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol agents fatally shoot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an ICE operation; by‑stander footage shows him unarmed, forced to the ground and shot at point‑blank range [1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social blaming Democratic leaders for Pretti’s death, calling it “Democrat‑ensued chaos” that costs American lives [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller defend the agents, labeling Pretti a “would‑be assassin” and asserting the officers fired defensively [1].
Jan 2026 (around this time) – ICE issues a new memo permitting warrantless home entries, prompting legal experts to warn of a major erosion of Fourth Amendment protections [1].
Jan 25, 2026 – Democratic senators threaten to block DHS funding, risking a partial government shutdown as they demand accountability for the Minneapolis shootings [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – A Reuters‑Ipsos poll shows 53 % of Americans disapprove of Trump’s immigration handling, while an ARG survey puts his overall approval at a historic low of 35 %; Trump dismisses the results as “fake” on Truth Social [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Trump announces the removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis and dispatches “border czar” Tom Homan to oversee ICE operations, saying the change will “de‑escalate” tensions [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Thom Tillis call for Kristi Noem’s resignation, condemning her description of Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” and warning of possible impeachment [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issues an extraordinary order requiring ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to appear in court, threatening contempt for ICE’s repeated violations of court orders [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Rep. Andrew Garbarino announces that ICE, CBP and USCIS leaders will testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Feb 10, aiming to increase transparency over the immigration crackdown [2].
Feb 10, 2026 (planned) – Congressional oversight hearings convene, with top immigration officials slated to testify before House and Senate Homeland Security committees, potentially shaping future enforcement policy [2].
External resources (5 links)
- https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/27/us/minneapolis-shooting-ice-minnesota (cited 3 times)
- https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-immigration-approval-drops-record-low-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2026-01-26/ (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/RealTomHoman/status/2016291550356291921?s=20 (cited 3 times)