Greg Bovino, head of the US Border Patrol, is set to lead some agents in departing Minnesota 'imminently' following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. The order affects only a portion of those stationed in the city and stops short of a full withdrawal, whilst Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations remain unaffected.
The partial retreat comes amid spiralling tensions following two fatal shootings of US citizens by federal agents this month. Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot after being tackled and disarmed by Border Patrol agents during a confrontation, whilst Renée Good, a mother of three, was killed by an ICE agent on 7 January. Both deaths have fuelled protests against federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, leaving families shattered and politicians divided.
Why Some Border Patrol Agents Are Leaving Minneapolis
Fox News reported the order affects only a portion of Border Patrol agents stationed in Minneapolis. The move follows the fatal shooting of Pretti on Saturday, who was carrying a pistol in his belt when he stepped between a protester and ICE agents.
Border Patrol agents tackled and disarmed him during the scuffle before shots rang out. Authorities believe that an errant round from Pretti's removed pistol may have triggered the agents' fire. The incident has intensified scrutiny on Bovino's hardline stance on immigration enforcement.
🚨BREAKING: Greg Bovino is expected to LEAVE MINNEAPOLIS TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/sQBZwkrz95
— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) January 26, 2026
Alex Pretti Shooting Echoes Renee Good Killing
Minneapolis has been in turmoil since 7 January, when an ICE agent shot and killed Renée Good, 37, an anti-ICE protester. Good accelerated her SUV towards an agent, sparking chaos that has not yet subsided.
Pretti's death marked the second US citizen killed by federal agents this month. Both cases have fuelled protests against ICE and Border Patrol presence, with locals feeling the weight of the violence daily as businesses close early, parents worry about children near checkpoints, and trust in law enforcement frays.
Greg Bovino Calls Alex Pretti 'Domestic Terrorist'
Bovino drew fire over the weekend after labelling Pretti a 'domestic terrorist' planning to 'massacre' immigration officers. He also criticised Democrats, including Governor Tim Walz, for allegedly 'inciting' the unrest.
Critics harshly condemned his stance, noting that video evidence contradicted claims that Pretti was the first to brandish a weapon. Even some Republicans urged the Department of Homeland Security to pull agents, breaking from President Donald Trump's line.
Trump softened his tone on Monday. 'Governor Tim Walz called me with the request to work together with respect to Minnesota. It was a very good call, and we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength,' he posted on Truth Social.
What the Partial Exit Means for Minneapolis
For Minneapolis residents, the partial exit brings mixed relief. Some see it as a de-escalation after two deaths, whilst others fear a security vacuum.
ICE, the primary federal presence on the streets, continues to be the target of protests. Meanwhile, the families of Alex Pretti and Renée Good are left trying to make sense of what happened, as Bovino's comments continue to inflame tensions.
The personal toll is stark. Pretti was an ICU nurse who stepped in during a tense moment and ended up dead, whilst Good's death has left her three children without their mother.
