Minnesota immigration raid death sparks calls for homeland security chief’s removal

Democratic leaders in the US Congress have urged President Donald Trump to dismiss Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This follows a fatal federal immigration operation in Minnesota. The operation has triggered protests and legal challenges.

The demand comes after 37-year-old US citizen Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a federal agent during an attempted arrest in Minneapolis over the weekend. Video footage reviewed by independent analysts shows Mr Pretti holding a mobile phone at the time of the encounter, contradicting early claims that he was armed.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused the Department of Homeland Security of acting recklessly. He said Ms Noem should be held accountable for what he described as a breakdown in leadership.

“If the president does not act, Congress will,” Mr Jeffries said. He warned that impeachment proceedings be launched against the homeland security secretary.

Ms Noem initially defended the actions of federal officers and described Mr Pretti as a “domestic terrorist”. That statement has since come under scrutiny after police confirmed he legally owned a firearm but was not holding one when he was shot.

President Trump said an investigation was under way and insisted federal agents acted in the interest of public safety. He added that he continued to have confidence in Ms Noem and rejected characterisations of the victim as an “assassin”.

“I don’t believe that,” Mr Trump told reporters. “But people cannot show up armed to confront law enforcement.”

Federal leadership reshuffle

State officials and civil rights groups have criticized. In response, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and several agents have been withdrawn from Minneapolis. Tom Homan, the president’s immigration enforcement coordinator, is replacing them. He has arrived in the city to oversee operations directly.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he pressed federal officials to scale back enforcement actions. He also urged them to allow independent investigations into recent shootings.

Mr Pretti’s death is the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month. Earlier in January, another US citizen, Renee Good, was killed during a separate immigration operation.

Both incidents have fueled protests across the city, with demonstrators accusing the federal government of excessive force and aggressive tactics.

Court action and political fallout

The case has also prompted judicial intervention. A federal judge has mandated that acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Todd Lyons must appear in court. This will take place later this week. The agency failed to comply with an order. The order required a bond hearing for an immigration detainee.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that lawsuits would continue. These lawsuits seek to limit federal enforcement actions. This will happen regardless of any changes in leadership.

“We need enforceable rules, not just promises,” he said.

While Democrats have threatened impeachment, political analysts say removing Ms Noem would be difficult. Republicans control the Senate, and Democrats lack sufficient numbers in the House to proceed without cross-party support.

Former President Joe Biden criticised the federal response. He said the shootings reflected a failure to respect civil liberties. He also called for independent investigations into both deaths.

Federal agents are reducing their presence in Minneapolis. Protests continue. Immigration enforcement has once again become a central issue in the national political debate.