In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino and a contingent of agents have been directed to exit Minneapolis following the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal officers this month.
On Jan. 26, 2026, sources confirmed that Bovino and some Border Patrol agents were ordered out of Minneapolis, though not all agents are included in this directive, and it does not apply to ICE personnel. The decision comes after the fatal shootings of Renee Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Saturday, both in Minneapolis, amid rising tensions and ongoing investigations. The move marks a significant shift as political backlash intensifies in the city.
The situation has sparked intense debate over federal enforcement tactics in urban areas like Minneapolis. What’s the right balance between security and citizen safety? Let’s unpack the timeline and the tough questions this raises.
Minneapolis has been on edge since Jan. 7, when Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and anti-ICE protester, was killed by an ICE agent. Fast forward to Saturday, when Alex Pretti, also 37 and an armed ICU nurse, lost his life in a confrontation with Border Patrol agents.
Sources reveal a chilling detail: at least 10 bullets were fired at Pretti at close range after the initial shot rang out. One insider told The Post, “It was 100% an accidental discharge by the agent that relieved that person of their weapon,” the New York Post reported. If true, this paints a grim picture of confusion on the ground.
Greg Bovino hasn’t shied away from the spotlight, labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and accusing him of plotting to “massacre” immigration officers. He’s also pointed fingers at Democrats like Gov. Tim Walz for fueling the unrest. But are these claims stoking the fire rather than dousing it?
Bovino’s hardline approach to immigration enforcement—often described as “no-holds-barred”—has drawn sharp criticism, especially after his weekend remarks about Pretti brandishing a gun.
With tensions at a “fever pitch,” even some Republicans are breaking from President Trump’s agenda, urging the Department of Homeland Security to pull back agents. It’s a rare fracture in party unity.
Meanwhile, sources paint a damning picture of federal agents in over their heads, overworked and untrained for the volatile protest environment in Minneapolis. One insider lamented, “None of those agents should’ve had their gun out.” It’s hard not to wonder if better preparation could have saved lives.
On Monday, signs of a policy pivot emerged as President Trump described a constructive dialogue with Gov. Walz, hinting at alignment. At the same time, “border czar” Tom Homan was sent to oversee immigration operations in Minnesota, replacing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. It’s a shuffle that suggests recalibration.
Homan and Noem, both key Trump allies on immigration, differ in approach—Homan focuses on deporting those with criminal records or existing orders, while Noem, aligned with Bovino, pushes broader sweeps. Still, Noem called Homan’s assignment “good news for peace, safety, and accountability in Minneapolis.” Her public support signals unity, even if strategies clash.
The investigation into Pretti’s death continues to stir controversy, with DHS probing whether his gun discharged after agents disarmed him, prompting the deadly volley while he was restrained. This theory strays from the initial narrative that Pretti was a direct threat. If confirmed, it could further erode public trust.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, internal divisions among agents are glaring—many feel unprepared for protest policing alongside enforcement duties. Sources describe a lack of readiness for managing street-level chaos, with one noting the entire ordeal was “avoidable.” It’s a sobering admission.
As Bovino and some agents prepare to leave Minnesota, the bigger question looms: how should federal forces operate in cities teetering on unrest? Minneapolis is a test case, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Pushing aggressive enforcement without proper training risks more heartbreak.
Ultimately, this isn’t just about two tragic deaths—it’s about finding a path forward that secures borders without sacrificing citizen safety. The administration’s next moves, under Homan’s watch, will be scrutinized. Let’s hope lessons are learned before more lives are lost.
