US First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare public political statement as protests intensified across Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal border patrol agents. Speaking amid growing unrest in Minneapolis, Melania Trump called for unity and urged demonstrators to express their anger through peaceful means as tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement continued to rise.
In an interview with Fox News, the First Lady emphasized the need for calm and cooperation during a period of heightened division. She stated that unity was essential for communities facing turmoil and appealed directly to protesters to avoid violence. Her remarks marked an uncommon moment of public political engagement, as Melania Trump has traditionally maintained a limited role in policy-related discourse.
The statement came as demonstrations against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations expanded following the killing of two US citizens in Minnesota within the same month. Melania Trump made clear her opposition to violence, noting that the administration was actively coordinating with state and local leaders to prevent further escalation. She said President Donald Trump had spoken directly with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to address the situation and work toward maintaining public order while preventing riots.
Protests erupted after federal agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti on January 24 during a high-risk immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was reportedly attempting to record the incident on his mobile phone and assist a bystander who had been shoved by officers when he was confronted by agents. Authorities initially described Pretti as a gunman, but multiple bystander videos circulating online appeared to contradict that account, showing him holding a phone moments before being forced to the ground and shot at close range.
Pretti was a licensed gun owner with a valid permit to carry, according to available records, though witnesses maintain he was not armed during the encounter. His death followed the January 7 shooting of Renée Nicole Good, making him the second Minnesota resident killed by federal agents in less than a month. The incidents have fueled widespread outrage, prompting protests not only in Minneapolis but also in several other cities across the state.
As public opposition to federal immigration operations mounted, President Trump took steps to restructure the leadership overseeing enforcement activities in Minnesota. Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol commander-at-large who had become the public face of the aggressive Operation Metro Surge, was recalled from his role amid growing backlash over the administration’s tactics. Bovino was ordered to return to his previous post in California, effectively removing him from the Minnesota operation.
In response, the White House deployed Tom Homan, the administration’s border policy chief, to take direct control of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the region. Homan, who will report directly to the President, has been tasked with overseeing federal actions on the ground and working to defuse the increasingly volatile situation. His appointment reflects the administration’s effort to regain control amid sustained protests and mounting scrutiny over the use of force by federal agents.
The unfolding events have intensified national debate over immigration enforcement, law enforcement accountability, and the role of federal agencies in local communities. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death, Minnesota remains on edge, with officials urging calm while protesters demand transparency, justice, and meaningful reform.
