WASHINGTON D.C January 25, 2026 – The White House issued a sharp rebuke of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Monday, accusing their “dangerous anti-ICE rhetoric” and support for sanctuary city policies of fueling chaos and endangering American lives. The statement came in the form of a post on X (formerly Twitter) from the official @WhiteHouse account, accompanied by a video clip highlighting comments from the Democratic leaders amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a local resident by federal immigration agents.
The video, a compilation from news interviews, features Mayor Frey declaring that Minneapolis “will not cooperate with ICE or any federal agency,” stating that federal actions are “causing chaos and distrust.” Frey also emphasized the peaceful nature of protests and described demonstrating against the administration as a “patriotic duty.” Governor Walz is shown stating, “We do not need any further help from the federal government.” The clip juxtaposes these remarks with footage of protests, police lines, and scenes of unrest, including smoke and confrontations, to underscore the White House’s point.
In the post, the White House asserted: “Dems have repeatedly chosen criminal illegals over law-abiding citizens, manufacturing danger. Enough is enough.” This rhetoric aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, which has intensified since his inauguration earlier this month.
Background on the Incident
The controversy stems from the January 24, 2026, shooting of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, by U.S. Border Patrol agents in south Minneapolis. Pretti, who had a permit to carry a firearm, was killed in what authorities described as a confrontation during an immigration enforcement operation. Eyewitness videos show Pretti intervening in what appeared to be a domestic disturbance involving agents and a woman, but do not depict him drawing a weapon. This marks the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis in less than three weeks, following the death of Renee Good earlier in January.
Protests erupted immediately after the incident, with demonstrators defying freezing temperatures to chant “ICE out now” and “Cowards go home.” Crowds have gathered outside hotels believed to house federal agents, banging on windows and demanding their withdrawal. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for President Trump to remove “untrained” federal agents from the state, while preparing to deploy the National Guard amid rising tensions. A federal judge has granted a restraining order against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in response to the shooting.
Broader Context and Reactions
The shootings have highlighted deep divisions over immigration policy in the U.S., particularly in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis, where local officials have historically resisted cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Critics, including Republican Senator Tom Cotton, have blamed local leaders for encouraging interference with law enforcement, calling the deaths “regrettable tragedies” that could be avoided through better cooperation. On the other side, protesters and advocacy groups argue that the surge in ICE operations under the Trump administration has led to unnecessary violence against citizens.
Some conservative voices on X have alleged foreign involvement, claiming Mexican consulates are organizing protests in coordination with Democrats. Environmental activist groups like the Sunrise Movement have also been linked to training protesters. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are pushing forward with a DHS/ICE funding bill, potentially leading to a government shutdown if Democrats block it.
Demands for a full investigation into Pretti’s death are growing, with Minnesota leaders urging the preservation of evidence. Over 1,000 related events, including vigils and rallies under the banner “ICE Out for Good,” are planned nationwide.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for further comment on the post or the ongoing protests. As tensions simmer, both sides remain entrenched, with the incident exposing stark political divides in America’s ongoing immigration debate.
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