Minneapolis, Federal Force, Civil Rights and Oversight Questions
Protesters chant and bang on rubbish bins as they stand behind a makeshift barricade during a protest in response to the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot by a US Border Patrol officer earlier in the day in Minneapolis. [Adam Gray/AP Photo]
A senior Border Patrol commander, John Bovino, and some agents were expected to begin leaving Minneapolis as early as Tuesday amid public outrage after the fatal shooting of 37‑year‑old intensive‑care nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents. Bovino’s departure follows criticism of his public defence of the shooting and disputed accounts of the confrontation. The White House said three federal investigations are underway, by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and an internal US Customs and Border Protection review.
President Donald Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations, and Mr Homan was due to meet Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday; Frey said he had spoken to the President and secured an agreement that “the present situation cannot continue”, prompting the partial withdrawal. Activists and state leaders continue to call for accountability and greater transparency, as questions mount overuse of federal law‑enforcement surges in US cities.
Reports indicate the administration still intends to press its immigration enforcement policies, with media outlets reporting that active-duty soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division were given prepare‑to‑deploy orders last week. Related federal actions include Operation Catch of the Day in Maine, launched by ICE to target convicted criminal non‑citizens, and congressional oversight hearings by the Senate Homeland Security subcommittee on fraud in federal programs.
Sources: Minneapolis city statements, White House statements, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, US Customs and Border Protection, Mayor Jacob Frey remarks, media reports on 11th Airborne Division, ICE announcement for Maine, Senate Homeland Security subcommittee hearing listings.
