Republican leaders are showing signs of dissent against President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration enforcement, especially after a recent fatal shooting in Minneapolis, with calls for investigations and a reevaluation of tactics.
The growing unease within the GOP stems from the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. This incident, the second such death in weeks, has prompted Republican lawmakers to question the administration’s aggressive approach, marking a shift from earlier party unity where similar events were quickly defended.
Key Republicans, including Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and Rep. Andrew Garbarino, are demanding thorough investigations into the shooting. Their statements highlight a crack in the GOP front, with Tillis emphasizing the need for an impartial probe and warning against rushing to judgment.
Administration officials, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, initially portrayed Pretti as a violent instigator, but video evidence and witness accounts challenge this narrative, showing he was not brandishing a weapon during the encounter. This discrepancy has fueled bipartisan scrutiny and raised questions about the credibility of federal claims.
Beyond congressional calls, Republican governors like Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma and Phil Scott of Vermont have expressed concern, urging de-escalation and questioning the endgame of Trump’s mass deportation strategy. Stitt noted that Americans are asking for clarity on goals, while Scott criticized the operations as a failure of coordination or deliberate intimidation.
The political timing is critical, as the GOP faces a challenging election year. Polls indicate declining public approval of Trump’s immigration handling, with many Americans viewing ICE tactics as too tough, adding pressure on Republicans to respond to public sentiment.
In response to the backlash, the administration has softened its rhetoric, with Trump announcing that border czar Tom Homan will oversee operations in Minneapolis, potentially signaling a shift towards less aggressive methods. This move has been praised by some Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, as a step to reduce tensions.
This episode highlights a tension within the Republican Party between staunch support for Trump and core principles like gun rights and states’ rights, which are being tested by the administration’s actions. Moving forward, the GOP’s willingness to hold the administration accountable could influence future immigration policy and electoral outcomes, as lawmakers balance loyalty with evolving public opinion.
