Governor Asks Trump For Help

Democratic Governor Tim Walz reached out to President Trump for help amid Minneapolis chaos from illegal immigration enforcement failures, signaling even blue-state leaders recognize the need for federal action on border security.

Story Highlights

Governor Walz called President Trump on January 27, 2026, requesting cooperation after federal agents shot Alex Pretti during an ICE operation.
Trump deployed Border Czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to manage ICE operations and fraud investigations, praising the call as finding common ground.
VA Secretary Doug Collins blames state non-cooperation for creating dangerous situations that endanger agents and communities.
Minneapolis Mayor Frey demands ICE leave, ignoring federal law enforcement needs amid ongoing protests and unlawful assemblies.

Timeline of the Minneapolis Incident

Federal immigration agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, on Saturday, January 25, 2026, during an enforcement operation. Agents reported Pretti approached them with a 9mm handgun and resisted disarmament. Protests erupted the next day, with agitators confronting law enforcement at a hotel. Tensions escalated in a city long plagued by sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants, frustrating Americans demanding secure borders and public safety.

Walz-Trump Call Marks Potential Cooperation

Governor Tim Walz initiated a call to President Trump on Monday, January 27, requesting federal cooperation on immigration enforcement. Trump described it as a very good call where both seemed on a similar wavelength. Trump then announced Tom Homan’s deployment to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations and coordinate fraud investigations. This move underscores Trump’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws despite resistance from Democrat-led states.

Federal Response to State Resistance

VA Secretary Doug Collins confirmed Pretti’s employment and blamed Minnesota state and local officials for refusing to cooperate with federal efforts to deport dangerous illegal criminals. This non-cooperation, Collins stated, directly contributes to tragedies like the shooting. Trump administration operations have achieved tremendous success in cities like Washington D.C., Memphis, and New Orleans, where crime rates dropped significantly after intensified enforcement.

Tom Homan, reporting directly to the president, arrived in Minnesota Monday evening to centralize control. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Homan’s mandate. This deployment counters years of open-border policies under Biden that flooded communities with unvetted migrants, fueling crime and straining resources.

Local Outrage Ignores Enforcement Realities

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded ICE immediately leave the city and state, urging Trump to put Minneapolis first. Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted local forces would secure the scene amid declared unlawful assemblies. Witnesses dispute the federal account, casting doubt on whether Pretti posed a genuine threat. These conflicting narratives highlight risks when states obstruct federal law, endangering agents tasked with protecting American communities from illegal immigration threats.

This incident, the second fatal ICE shooting under Trump after Renee Good’s case on January 7, reveals persistent tensions in sanctuary havens like Minneapolis with large immigrant populations. Federal intervention establishes a model for handling uncooperative jurisdictions, prioritizing public safety and rule of law over political posturing.