Tim Walz, Jacob Frey say Trump agreed to 'look into' reducing number of federal agents in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, DC: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that President Donald Trump has agreed to explore reducing the number of federal immigration officers in the state amid mounting outrage over the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents.

The leaders described Trump’s phone calls with them as “very good” and said the president and Walz were on a “similar wavelength” as tensions have soared following protests and clashes in Minneapolis. Trump’s willingness to consider pulling back some immigration agents reflects pressure from state officials demanding a change in federal tactics after weeks of protests.

Tim Walz, Jacob Frey talk about discussion with Trump

Tim Walz issued a statement describing the discussion with President Trump as “productive.” According to Walz, Trump agreed to speak with his immigration officials about allowing the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct independent investigations into the recent shootings.

“The President agreed that he would talk to his Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case."

He also agreed to work toward a plan to reduce the number of federal immigration officers operating in the state.

"The President also agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and working with the state in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals,” the governor’s office said in its statement.

The statement added, "The Governor reminded President Trump that the Minnesota Department of Corrections already honors federal detainers by notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a person committed to its custody isn’t a US citizen. There is not a single documented case of the department’s releasing someone from state prison without offering to ensure a smooth transfer of custody."

"I spoke with President Trump today and appreciated the conversation. I expressed how much Minneapolis has benefited from our immigrant communities and was clear that my main ask is that Operation Metro Surge needs to end. The president agreed the present situation can’t continue. Some federal agents will begin leaving the area tomorrow, and I will continue pushing for the rest involved in this operation to go," Mayor Jacob Frey wrote on social media.

Tim Walz's calls to Trump to withdraw federal agents from Minnesota

Tim Walz has repeatedly called for federal agents, including ICE and Border Patrol, to leave Minnesota as tensions escalated following the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse shot by US Border Patrol officers during protests sparked by federal immigration enforcement.

Pretti’s death intensified outrage and protests across Minneapolis and drew sharp criticism from state leaders.

On Sunday, January 25, Walz appealed directly to President Trump to withdraw federal agents from Minnesota, speaking a day after the fatal shooting. “What’s the plan, Donald Trump? What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state?” Walz asked at a news conference.

Walz continued his plea, urging the president to end the federal presence and embrace what he characterized as more humane immigration enforcement.

“President Trump, you can end this today. Pull these folks back; do humane, focused, effective immigration control – you’ve got the support of all of us to do that. Please show some decency. Pull these folks out,” Walz said.

He further challenged the president’s stance by framing the conflict in stark terms, asking, “Which side do you want to be on? The side of an all‑powerful federal government that could kill, injure, menace and kidnap its citizens off the streets, or on the side of a nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness to such government,” referring to Pretti.