By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal officials have begun an immediate drawdown of immigration enforcement personnel in Minnesota following weeks of heightened scrutiny surrounding a large-scale federal operation and two fatal shootings involving federal agents in the Minneapolis area.
Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced that approximately 700 federal immigration officers are being withdrawn from the state, effective immediately. The announcement came amid ongoing discussions with state and local officials regarding the scope, duration, and impact of the federal enforcement surge that significantly increased the number of agents operating in Minnesota.
Federal officials said that even with the drawdown, roughly 2,000 agents will remain in the state, a figure substantially higher than pre-surge levels. According to federal authorities, the reduction reflects increased cooperation from county jails and law enforcement agencies, allowing immigration officers to take custody of individuals already in detention rather than carrying out arrests in the community.
The surge in federal personnel began in December under an initiative referred to as “Operation Metro Surge,” which federal officials said was aimed at enforcing immigration laws and targeting individuals with criminal records. The operation has since drawn national attention following fatal incidents involving federal officers and residents.
Shooting death of Alex Pretti under federal and local investigation
One of the incidents occurred last weekend, when Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by federal agents during an encounter connected to the ongoing enforcement operation. Pretti’s death was the second fatal shooting involving federal law enforcement in Minneapolis in recent weeks.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has ruled Pretti’s death a homicide, a classification that identifies the manner of death but does not assign criminal responsibility.
Details surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Federal authorities have released limited information pending the outcome of multiple reviews. The agent involved has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard procedure.
In initial public statements, officials from the Department of Homeland Security characterized Pretti’s actions as a threat to officers, and several senior administration officials, including Secretary Kristi Noem, described the encounter as involving a person intent on harming federal personnel. Some comments from political appointees referred to Pretti using terms such as “domestic terrorism” in describing his alleged intent during the incident.
However, multiple bystander videos and witness accounts independently reviewed by the Dale County Chronicle show Pretti holding only a phone in the moments before agents engaged, directing traffic and appearing to film the scene. Video evidence also shows Pretti being taken to the ground by multiple federal agents and, after being disarmed, being shot in the back while on the ground; at least some footage appears to show gunfire occurring as he was pinned and not brandishing a weapon or appearing to be a threat. Minnesota officials have confirmed Pretti held a valid concealed-carry permit for a handgun, but the videos do not depict him drawing or threatening with a firearm at the time of the shooting.
Court filings include a statement from a nearby resident who is a licensed pediatrician and said they witnessed the shooting and attempted to provide medical assistance. According to that statement, the physician identified themself to agents and requested permission to assess Pretti, who appeared critically injured. The physician stated that access was initially refused and that agents requested proof of medical credentials before allowing assistance. That statement further alleges that no CPR was being administered by agents at the time the physician sought access.
Pretti’s family has described him as a healthcare professional with a strong commitment to patient care and public service. Vigils and demonstrations have been held in Minneapolis in response to his death, with participants calling for transparency as investigations continue.
Federal agents spray demonstrators at close range with irritants as they gather after ICE officers shot and killed a woman through her car window Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 near Portland Avenue and 34th Street. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)
Reactions from state and local officials
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the partial drawdown of agents represents a step toward addressing community concerns but noted that questions remain about the overall scale and duration of the federal presence. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also said residents continue to express concerns about the enforcement operation’s impact on neighborhoods.
Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell told lawmakers that while discussions with federal officials are ongoing, a definitive timeline for further reductions has not yet been established.
Local law enforcement leaders have said the surge created coordination challenges. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt reiterated that her department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and said the increased federal presence has required additional interagency communication.
Homan said further reductions would depend on continued cooperation from local authorities and operational needs. He added that while some enforcement personnel are being withdrawn, security and support functions will remain in place.
President Donald Trump has continued to express support for federal immigration enforcement efforts while acknowledging concerns raised by state and local officials over tactics and recent shootings and violence used by federal agents. Federal authorities have indicated that immigration enforcement operations will continue nationwide, with adjustments made based on regional conditions.
As investigations into the recent shootings proceed, state leaders and community members have called for clear communication from federal officials and for the findings of those investigations to be made public once completed.
