Protests have intensified in Minneapolis as demonstrators gathered outside a hotel where U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, a senior immigration official under President Donald Trump, is believed to be staying. This comes in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, by a Border Patrol agent on January 25, 2026, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for an end to the federal immigration surge in the city. The event was first reported by multiple news outlets within the last 24 hours, highlighting ongoing tensions.
The backdrop to these protests is Trump’s “Operation Metro Surge,” which has deployed thousands of immigration agents to Minneapolis since December 2025, following convictions of Somali immigrants in welfare fraud cases. This crackdown has led to two civilian deaths in January alone, with Renee Good being shot by an ICE agent on January 7, escalating local and national opposition.
On January 26, 2026, approximately a hundred protesters assembled outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where Bovino was suspected to be lodged. They banged drums and chanted, demanding his departure from the city. Police reported that several individuals were taken into custody after the situation escalated, with property damage and objects thrown at officers, leading to a dispersal order.
In response to the growing crisis, President Trump has initiated changes. He announced that border czar Tom Homan will take over on-the-ground efforts in Minneapolis, while Bovino and some Border Patrol agents are expected to leave the area imminently. This shift was confirmed by sources to CBS News and discussed in a BBC report dated 24 hours ago, indicating a potential de-escalation by the administration.
Political leaders have engaged in negotiations to address the situation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, spoke with Trump on January 27, with the president agreeing that “the present situation cannot continue.” Walz emphasized the need for an independent investigation into Pretti’s death, while Frey plans to meet with Homan to discuss next steps, aiming to reduce the federal presence.
The shootings have prompted calls for accountability and policy changes. Senator Amy Klobuchar and other Democrats are pushing for mandatory body cameras for immigration agents and oversight measures, threatening to block Department of Homeland Security funding without reforms. Meanwhile, Republicans like Ted Cruz have urged a more measured approach, though most remain aligned with Trump’s policies.
Nationwide, activists are organizing a “National Shutdown” on January 30, 2026, to protest ICE, mirroring earlier demonstrations in the Twin Cities where hundreds of businesses closed and thousands marched. This reflects the broader impact of the Minneapolis events, fueling anti-ICE sentiment across the United States.
Looking ahead, the focus is on ensuring transparent investigations into the shootings and scaling back the immigration operation. While Bovino’s departure may signal a tactical shift, the underlying issues of immigration enforcement and community trust remain unresolved, with continued protests and political maneuvering expected in the coming days.
