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Fetterman Calls for End to Minnesota Immigration Crackdown Following Fatal Shooting
Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has called for an immediate end to federal immigration operations in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents on Saturday.
“The operation in Minneapolis should stand down and immediately end,” Fetterman told Fox News Digital on Monday. “It has become an ungovernable and dangerous urban theatre for civilians and law enforcement that is incompatible with the American spirit.”
The senator’s comments mark a significant development in the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, which have now resulted in two civilian deaths this month.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot Saturday while filming federal officers on a Minneapolis street. Federal officials claim Pretti approached agents with a 9mm handgun and resisted disarmament, though witnesses have questioned whether he posed a genuine threat to agents.
The incident follows the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, further intensifying scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.
Despite his call to end the current operation, Fetterman emphasized that his position differs from many Democratic colleagues who have advocated defunding ICE entirely.
“As a very pro-immigration Democrat and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Management, I believe our nation deserves a secured border and that we should deport all criminal migrants,” Fetterman stated. “I also believe there needs to be a path to citizenship for those hardworking families who are here.”
Fetterman added, “I reject the calls to defund or abolish ICE. I strongly disagree with many strategies and practices ICE deployed in Minneapolis, and believe that must change.”
The senator’s nuanced stance on immigration enforcement has created a notable contrast with his wife’s perspective. Gisele Barreto Fetterman, who previously lived as an undocumented immigrant after moving from Brazil as a child, criticized the federal operations in Minneapolis on social media.
“For more than a decade, I lived undocumented in the US. Every day carried the same uncertainty and fear,” she wrote Sunday on X. “This now-daily violence is not ‘law and order.’ It is terror inflicted on people who contribute, love and build their lives here.”
The Minneapolis operations have drawn significant criticism from Democratic leaders. Former President Bill Clinton issued a sharp rebuke of the immigration crackdown following Pretti’s death, calling it an “unacceptable” tragedy that “should have been avoided.”
In response to the growing crisis, President Donald Trump has deployed White House border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota, directing him to report directly to the president. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Homan “will be managing ICE operations on the ground in Minnesota and coordinating with others on the ongoing fraud investigations.”
The administration has outlined specific demands for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, calling on them to turn over undocumented immigrants with criminal records or warrants to federal authorities and to have local police assist federal law enforcement.
Trump and Walz reportedly had what was described as a productive phone call Monday morning, with the state calling on the president to work together to address the situation.
The Minneapolis immigration operations have sparked protests, with clashes between demonstrators and federal agents involving tear gas and flashbangs. The volatile situation reflects broader national tensions over immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration.
Fetterman acknowledged the human cost of the operations, stating, “Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti should still be alive” and that his “family grieves for theirs.” He also expressed hope for a more constructive path forward in addressing immigration issues without resorting to government shutdowns or defunding essential security operations.
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8 Comments
Immigration enforcement is a thorny issue with no easy answers. I can understand the senator’s frustration, but a blanket shutdown of operations in Minneapolis doesn’t seem like the right call. Careful examination of the facts and circumstances, with an eye toward public safety, would be a wiser path forward.
The tragic incidents in Minneapolis are certainly cause for concern. However, I would caution against hasty decisions to halt all federal immigration enforcement activities in the city. A more measured, fact-based approach that prioritizes public safety seems prudent here.
This is a challenging situation with valid concerns on multiple sides. While I can appreciate the senator’s desire to de-escalate tensions, a complete halt to federal immigration operations may not be the best solution. A more nuanced, case-by-case review could yield better results.
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While I understand the concerns raised, I would caution against a knee-jerk reaction to halt all operations. Careful review and reform may be warranted, but immigration enforcement is a difficult balance. What are your thoughts on finding a measured approach here?
The tensions in Minneapolis sound very concerning. While I don’t have a strong opinion on this specific case, I think it’s important to carefully examine the facts and circumstances before jumping to conclusions. De-escalation and protecting civilian safety should be the top priorities.
I agree, this situation requires a thoughtful and measured response. Jumping to drastic actions without understanding the full context could make things worse. I hope the authorities can find a way to address valid concerns while upholding the rule of law.
This is a complex and sensitive topic without simple solutions. While I respect the senator’s desire to address the tensions, halting all federal immigration operations in Minneapolis seems like an overly broad reaction. A more targeted, fact-based approach may be more prudent.
Hmm, this is a complex and sensitive topic. While I can understand the desire to address tensions, unilaterally halting all federal immigration operations seems like an overly broad move that could have unintended consequences. Perhaps a more targeted review and reform process would be wiser.