President Donald Trump said Monday that he is sending his border czar, Tom Homan, to Minnesota to oversee federal immigration enforcement operations following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man during a federal operation over the weekend.
The decision comes as state officials challenge the scope of the federal deployment in court and local leaders raise concerns about its impact on public safety. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized the operation, saying it has heightened tensions and strained coordination between state and federal authorities.
Homan will oversee Operation Metro Surge on the ground and report directly to the White House. His arrival follows the death of Alex Pretti, a 37 year old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, who was shot during an encounter with federal agents. The administration has said Pretti was armed, while video circulating online has raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The White House said the president does not want violence on U.S. streets and emphasized that the administration remains focused on enforcing immigration laws, particularly against individuals it describes as serious criminal offenders.
