‘WE BELIEVE IN PEACE’: Governor Tim Walz demands President Trump pull federal agents from Minnesota as the state faces growing unrest following the fatal weekend shooting in Minneapolis.

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has issued an urgent demand for President Donald Trump to withdraw federal immigration agents from the state, saying their continued presence is exacerbating unrest after a fatal shooting in Minneapolis that has ignited protests and deepened tensions between state and federal authorities.

The call comes after another federal law enforcement officer–involved shooting in Minneapolis this past weekend, marking the second such incident in recent weeks. A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, during an operation by federal immigration officers. The killing triggered immediate protests and confrontations with law enforcement across the city.

At a press conference, Walz condemned the heavy federal presence in Minnesota, particularly the deployment of federal agents that he described as “violent, untrained” and worsening the situation on the ground. “We believe in peace,” Walz said, insisting that the answer to the crisis is de-escalation — not more federal force. He demanded that President Trump pull federal agents out of Minnesota and allow local authorities to lead the response and investigation.

“We’ve seen deadly violence from federal agents again and again and again,” Walz said, calling the situation “sickening” and accusing the Trump administration of fostering, rather than reducing, chaos. He stressed that state law enforcement and investigators should have full jurisdiction over the incidents, warning that continued federal involvement only deepens mistrust.

Outrage and Protests After Deadly Shooting

The fatal shooting occurred Saturday morning in south Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement action. Federal agents were reportedly attempting to detain an individual when Pretti was shot and killed. Eyewitness accounts and video circulating online have fed conflicting narratives about what exactly transpired, with some local officials disputing initial federal accounts of the encounter.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism from local leaders and civil rights advocates, who say the federal presence has fueled anger and fear among Minneapolis residents. As news spread, vigils, protests, and confrontations with law enforcement broke out, with calls for accountability and a halt to federal immigration operations.

State vs. Federal Jurisdiction Tensions

Walz’s demand underscores a growing rift between state and federal authorities over how to handle immigration enforcement and public safety. Minnesota officials have pushed for greater transparency and for state investigators to take the lead in probing deadly encounters involving federal agents. In some cases, state investigators have reportedly been blocked from accessing key evidence by federal personnel — a point that has drawn sharp rebukes from local leaders.

While Walz has appealed for peace and restraint from demonstrators, he also authorized the activation of the Minnesota National Guard to support local law enforcement in managing the growing unrest and protect critical infrastructure.

Calls for Calm and Broader Impact

Local officials, including Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, have urged calm in the wake of the shooting and protests, emphasizing the need for orderly discourse even as emotions run high.

The unrest has also had wider impacts beyond politics and protest lines. Several events in the city, including a professional sports game, were postponed as the community grapples with the fallout and tensions remain elevated.

What’s Next:
Governor Walz’s demand places pressure on the federal government to reconsider its enforcement strategy in Minnesota. Whether the Trump administration will withdraw federal agents or adjust its approach remains a developing story as investigations continue and public scrutiny intensifies.