Trump Rips Walz Over Deadly ICE Clash

A legal U.S. gun owner with a concealed carry permit lies dead after approaching Border Patrol agents during a deportation protest, igniting fierce debate over Second Amendment rights amid Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Story Snapshot

Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and permitted concealed carry holder, was fatally shot by federal officers on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis while protesting immigration enforcement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defends the administration, reaffirming Second Amendment support while blaming sanctuary city policies for creating a hostile environment.
President Trump calls for facts from ongoing investigations and urges Minnesota Democrats to end resistance to deporting criminal illegal aliens.
Three federal probes are underway, with Trump discussing cooperation with Gov. Tim Walz to reduce tensions and advance law and order.

Fatal Shooting Sparks National Tension

On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 35-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen with a legal concealed carry permit, approached Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis armed with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun during protests against federal immigration operations. Federal agents fatally shot him. A separate incident the same day killed Renee Good. Pretti’s family notes he had no history of violence and was not known to carry regularly. The shootings occurred amid ICE raids targeting criminal illegal aliens in the sanctuary city.

Administration Defends Law Enforcement Actions

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the incident in a January 26 briefing, upholding President Trump’s commitment to Second Amendment rights. She emphasized that carrying firearms near federal operations assumes risk and hinders enforcement of immigration laws. Leavitt blamed Minnesota Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, for fostering hostility through sanctuary policies that shield criminal noncitizens. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Pretti an “assassin,” while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem deemed it domestic terrorism.

Trump Pushes Back on Democrat Resistance

President Trump, focused on mass deportations of violent criminal illegal aliens, stated he awaits full investigation facts before conclusions. He spoke directly with Gov. Walz, outlining a path for cooperation: end sanctuary protections, hand over criminals, and support federal efforts. Trump agreed to consider an independent probe by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension alongside three federal reviews by DHS, FBI, and CBP. This follows protests marked by prior violence, such as stone-throwing at officers.

The administration highlights how Democrat-led obstruction in cities like Minneapolis endangers agents and delays justice for American communities plagued by crimes from unchecked illegal immigration. Leavitt noted public demand for deportations aligns with restoring law and order, a core promise of Trump’s second term.

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Path Forward Balances Rights and Security

Investigations remain active as of January 26, with a border czar dispatched to Minnesota for state-federal coordination. Trump is reviewing body camera mandates with Congress to enhance transparency without compromising operations. Short-term, tensions rise in sanctuary jurisdictions, but Trump’s call with Walz signals potential de-escalation through partnership. Long-term, this tests resolve against globalist open-border policies that erode sovereignty and burden taxpayers.

Pretti’s family seeks body cam footage, underscoring unresolved questions like whether he brandished the weapon—DHS states he approached officers. FBI Director Kash Patel warns loaded firearms at protests elevate dangers for all. Conservatives see this as a necessary stand against sanctuary chaos that invites violence, prioritizing agent safety and deportation of threats while upholding constitutional gun rights outside active enforcement zones.