O'Hara commented that all levels of law enforcement in Minnesota have collaborated with federal authorities for several years. This ongoing situation, he mentioned, hampers agencies' capabilities to conduct investigations effectively.
In a response, US Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino accused O'Hara and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of hindering federal law enforcement operations.
Trump indicated in an interview published on Sunday that he might eventually consider withdrawing ICE agents from the Minneapolis area but did not commit to a timeline. He stated, At some point we will leave. They've done a phenomenal job. Moreover, he declared that his administration was reviewing the circumstances surrounding Pretti's death.
Lawmakers remain divided on Pretti's shooting, particularly regarding Second Amendment rights. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed Pretti was shot while brandishing a weapon; however, local authorities dispute this, stating the firearm was legally registered and Pretti was not brandishing it when he was shot.
The Trump administration controversially labeled Pretti a domestic terrorist, prompting his family to publicly denounce these claims as sickening lies and asserted he was a lawful citizen with no prior criminal record.
Backlash against the federal crackdown is mounting even within the Republican party. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt voiced concerns about the witnessing of Americans being shot, indicating that federal strategies were alarming voters. Similarly, Senator Bill Cassidy described the Minneapolis shooting as incredibly disturbing.\
On the ground, protests gathered hundreds in Minneapolis, where demonstrators stood against armed federal agents using tear gas and stun grenades. Protests expanded to other cities, with signs proclaiming Justice for Alex and calls to abolish ICE.
Over 60 prominent Minnesota business executives, including leaders from major companies like 3M and Target, have penned a letter urging an immediate de-escalation and collaborative solutions from officials.
The protest unfolded beneath the backdrop of a heightened crackdown initiated by the Trump administration, following various issues within the local Somali immigrant population amidst wider national debates on immigration policies.
Eyewitness accounts differ from federal statements regarding the altercation that led to Pretti’s death, fueling public outcry and demands for accountability. Continuing protests across the U.S. reflect a significant resistance to federal immigration policies viewed as aggressive and unjust.
