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DHS Deploys Body‑Cameras to Minneapolis Officers as DOJ Opens Civil‑Rights Probe

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  • Immigration agents draw guns, arrest activists following them in Minneapolis
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    Immigration agents draw guns, arrest activists following them in Minneapolis (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
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  • 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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  • 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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  • Federal agents lobbed tear gas and flash bangs at protesters in front of the ICE building on Jan. 31, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP)
    Image: Newsweek
    Federal agents lobbed tear gas and flash bangs at protesters in front of the ICE building on Jan. 31, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP) Source Full size
  • People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Source Full size
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  • Alex Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital
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    Alex Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital (AP) Source Full size
  • People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
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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
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
    Image: Newsweek
    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Source Full size
  • Federal agents lobbed tear gas and flash bangs at protesters in front of the ICE building on Jan. 31, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP)
    Image: Newsweek
    Federal agents lobbed tear gas and flash bangs at protesters in front of the ICE building on Jan. 31, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP) 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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  • People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size

Body‑Camera Mandate Issued for Minneapolis DHS Officers Kristi Noem announced on Feb 2 that every field officer—including ICE and CBP agents—will receive body‑worn cameras in Minneapolis, with a nationwide rollout pending funding [3][4][5][6]. The policy follows the Jan 24 killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and the Jan 7 shooting of mother Renee Good, both sparking nationwide criticism of federal immigration tactics. Noem posted the order on X, emphasizing “effective immediately” deployment and a plan to expand once appropriations are secured. State officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, have demanded the footage to assess accountability, while the White House has left the decision to the secretary [5][6].

Agents Placed on Administrative Leave After Pretti Shooting Two officers—Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa (43) and CBP Officer Raymundo Gutierrez (35)—were identified in government records and placed on administrative leave pending investigation [12][17][19][20]. DHS reports the pair fired Glock pistols, discharging roughly ten rounds during the Jan 24 encounter, and a preliminary DHS report refutes earlier claims that Pretti brandished a weapon [17][20]. The Justice Department’s Civil‑Rights Division opened a probe on Jan 30, with the FBI leading and HSI providing support, while CBP conducts its own internal review [17][19][20]. Officials have not disclosed the chain of custody for the firearms or Pretti’s phone, fueling tension between federal and Minnesota authorities [20].

Legal and Political Fallout Over Shooting Narratives Initial DHS statements described Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” who drew a 9 mm handgun, but released video shows him holding only a cellphone while an officer removed his legally‑carried gun [9][15][10]. Senior officials have since backtracked, citing possible protocol failures and promising “better” DHS practices [9]. Democratic lawmakers introduced impeachment articles against Secretary Noem, citing the deaths of Pretti and Good as evidence of mismanagement [15]. Republicans remain split: some, like Sen. Lindsey Graham, consider reform proposals reasonable, while hard‑liners such as Sen. Ted Cruz dismiss them as radical [7].

Activists Confront Immigration Convoy; Guns Drawn in Minneapolis On Feb 3, immigration agents stopped a convoy in south Minneapolis, drew firearms, ordered trailing activists out at gunpoint, handcuffed at least one protester face‑down, and warned reporters against approaching, even threatening pepper spray [1]. A federal judge had previously limited stops based solely on following agents, but an appeals court reversed that restriction, allowing the aggressive tactics [1]. Commander Greg Bovino departed the city shortly after the fatal Pretti shooting, and Border‑Czar Tom Homan warned protesters of consequences for interference [1].

Congressional Forum to Hear Victims’ Families Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia organized a Capitol Hill forum on Feb 3 where families of Renee Good and other witnesses will testify about aggressive DHS encounters; no DHS officials are expected to appear [2]. The hearing aims to spotlight personal accounts of the Jan 7 and Jan 24 shootings and to pressure the department for greater transparency. Organizers hope the testimonies will influence pending legislative reforms tied to DHS funding [2].

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

Pew: How Americans See Immigration Officers’ Behaviors and Civilian Actions

Published (3 tables/charts)

Videos (6)

Timeline

Dec 1, 2025 – The Trump administration launches Operation Metro Surge, deploying roughly 3,000 federal immigration, Border Patrol and DHS officers to Minneapolis as part of a mass‑deportation push [3].

2025 – ICE reports 605,000 deportations and 1.9 million “voluntary self‑deportations” between Jan 20 2025 and Dec 10 2025, while polls show 53 % of Americans think the government is doing “too much” on deportations [3].

Jan 7, 2026 – ICE agent shoots and kills immigrant activist Renee Good while she drives in Minneapolis; the administration claims self‑defence, sparking nationwide protests and a Minnesota lawsuit to block the federal deployment [3][5].

Jan 13, 2026 – Video captured by by‑standers shows Alex Pretti kicking a federal SUV and being sprayed with irritants during a confrontation with ICE agents, eleven days before his fatal shooting [11].

Jan 16, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issues an order barring federal officers from detaining or tear‑gassing peaceful protesters in Minnesota, a restriction later suspended three days before Pretti’s death [27].

Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol agents Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez fire roughly ten rounds, killing ICU nurse Alex Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation; video later shows an officer retrieving his legally‑owned handgun before the shots [6][30].

Jan 25, 2026 – A GoFundMe campaign for Pretti’s family exceeds its $20,000 goal, raising over $160,000, while state officials demand an independent investigation and file lawsuits to preserve evidence [24][26].

Jan 25, 2026 – Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey call for the removal of all federal agents from Minneapolis; the Minnesota National Guard is activated and an emergency city declaration is issued [25][26].

Jan 25, 2026 – The partial federal government shutdown looms as Senate Democrats block a DHS‑funding bill, raising the risk of a shutdown on Jan 31 if no deal is reached [23].

Jan 26, 2026 – President Trump announces that border czar Tom Homan will travel to Minneapolis that week to address unrest after Pretti’s killing [20].

Jan 26, 2026 – Judge Katherine Menendez hears arguments on a request to temporarily halt the Minnesota immigration crackdown, with 19 states and D.C. filing an amicus brief supporting Minnesota’s lawsuit [27].

Jan 27, 2026 – DHS officials label Pretti a “terrorist” despite video evidence to the contrary; an unnamed DHS official says Trump is unhappy with the department’s messaging [18].

Jan 27, 2026 – President Trump declares that “you can’t have guns” at protests, prompting immediate backlash from the NRA and other gun‑rights groups [14][15].

Jan 27, 2026 – New ICE guidance, circulated in an internal memo, orders agents to avoid “agitators,” use megaphones for every arrest step, and limit arrests to “aliens with a criminal history” [10].

Jan 27, 2026 – Kalshi market data shows an 80 % probability that Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino will leave his post, while Tom Homan assumes oversight of ICE operations in Minnesota [17].

Jan 27, 2026 – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reasserts support for the Second Amendment while noting that carrying a loaded firearm at a law‑enforcement encounter raises the risk of force [16].

Jan 28, 2026 – Trump warns Mayor Jacob Frey that the city is “playing with fire” if it does not enforce federal immigration law; Bovino departs Minneapolis amid the backlash [12].

Jan 28, 2026 – Alex Pretti’s parents retain former federal prosecutor Steve Schleicher to represent them pro bono in the civil‑rights lawsuit [13].

Jan 29, 2026 – Border czar Tom Homan declines to comment on Pretti’s shooting at a press conference, emphasizing that the investigation must run its course [9].

Jan 29, 2026 – DHS confirms it is reviewing the Jan 13 video of Pretti’s earlier confrontation with agents, which shows him kicking an SUV and being sprayed with chemicals [11].

Jan 29, 2026 – Homan holds a Minneapolis briefing, announcing that ICE agents will now “DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS” and will focus only on “aliens with a criminal nexus” [10].

Jan 29, 2026 – Homan tells reporters that a draw‑down of federal personnel in Minneapolis is possible if state and local officials cooperate, but offers no numbers or timeline [5].

Jan 30, 2026 – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announces that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has opened a federal civil‑rights probe into Pretti’s death, with the FBI leading the investigation [4][7][8].

Jan 30, 2026 – Homan reiterates that a “more targeted” federal presence will remain in Minneapolis, while Governor Walz and Mayor Frey continue to demand a full withdrawal of ICE agents [5].

Feb 2, 2026 – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announces that body cameras will be deployed to every field officer in Minneapolis immediately, with a plan to expand nationwide once funding is secured, amid the ongoing immigration crackdown [1].

Feb 2, 2026 – A bomb threat hoax forces the closure of schools in Columbia Heights; the incident occurs amid large‑scale “no work, no school, no shopping” strikes protesting the federal immigration surge [2].

Feb 8, 2026 – ICE agents are slated to be present at the Super Bowl, marking a high‑profile deployment despite mounting criticism of the agency’s tactics [3].

Winter 2026 – ICE proposes a presence at the Winter Olympics in Italy, prompting Milan’s mayor to label the agency a “militia” [3].

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