US changes leadership of immigration operation in Minneapolis after fatal incidents
US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino is leaving Minneapolis on Tuesday following the Trump administration's decision to change the leadership of a large-scale immigration operation in Minnesota. The personnel changes came after a second fatal incident involving federal law enforcement officers in a short period of time and sharp criticism from local authorities and human rights activists, the AP reports.
The US president announced that leadership of the operation would be transferred to his border advisor Tom Homan, who will now report directly to the White House. This decision was made after Bovino claimed that the deceased Alex Pretti, a nurse in the intensive care unit, had allegedly planned a mass murder of law enforcement officers. These claims have not been officially confirmed and have sparked outrage.
Saturday's shooting, in which Pretti was killed by border guards, caused a political stir and raised doubts about the methods used in Operation Metro Surge. According to sources, a number of federal agents are leaving Minneapolis along with Bovino, and the White House's rhetoric on actions in the state has become noticeably softer.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that during a telephone conversation, he called on the president to halt the intensified immigration operation, and Trump acknowledged that the current format cannot continue. Frey said he will continue to push for a reduction in the federal presence. He is expected to meet with Tom Homan as early as Tuesday.
The president also spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Both sides called the conversation productive. Walz emphasised the need for impartial investigations into the shootings, while Trump stated his intention to seek out individuals with criminal records. State authorities confirmed that they are complying with lawful requests from federal agencies.
At the same time, a lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is being considered in federal court, demanding a temporary halt to the immigration operation. Judge Catherine Menendez expressed doubts about the motives of the federal authorities and ordered the government to provide additional explanations. The state claims that the situation on the streets is so tense that it requires immediate judicial intervention.
According to the government, there are currently about 2,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and at least 1,000 border guards in Minnesota. The lawsuit demands that their numbers be reduced to the level that existed before the operation began. The case has been supported by the attorneys general of 19 states and the District of Columbia.
The events in Minnesota could have broader implications for other states where federal authorities are planning or already conducting increased immigration operations.
United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis, ICE, Bovino
