Minneapolis, MN – January 28, 2026 – Federal immigration enforcement operations have plunged Minneapolis into chaos, with President Donald Trump directly threatening the city’s Democratic mayor over non-cooperation, a fatal shooting of a local ICU nurse by Border Patrol agents, mass arrests of protesters, and an assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar fueling nationwide outrage.
Trump’s Direct Warning to Minneapolis Mayor

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, stating the city is “playing with fire” if local police refuse to assist federal immigration agents. Vice President JD Vance accused Frey of instructing officers “not to help” ICE and Border Patrol during ongoing raids as part of the administration’s aggressive nationwide immigration crackdown.
Fatal Shooting of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti
The crisis intensified with the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse known for helping save a veteran’s life from sepsis. Pretti was killed by two federal officers during an enforcement action after reportedly intervening to assist a woman pushed by agents.
- DHS placed the officers on administrative leave (standard protocol) pending investigation.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” sparking widespread backlash.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) called Noem “incompetent” and expressed “no confidence” in her leadership.
- Pretti’s family retained attorney Steve Schleicher (prosecutor in the Derek Chauvin/George Floyd case) for potential legal action.
Mass Arrests and Federal Crackdown
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced 16 arrests in Minneapolis today for allegedly assaulting federal officers, calling those detained “rioters” and declaring: “NOTHING will stop President Trump and this Department of Justice from enforcing the law.”
More arrests are anticipated as Border czar Tom Homan holds “precarious” negotiations with Minnesota officials about possible changes to enforcement tactics.
Assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar
In a separate incident, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was sprayed with apple cider vinegar during a town hall in north Minneapolis. Suspect Anthony Kazmierczak was arrested for third-degree assault after rushing the podium. The FBI is leading the investigation, with Capitol Police considering federal charges.
Ongoing Protests, Political Demands, and Broader Fallout
- Protests and clashes continue, including violent confrontations outside the South Texas Family Residential Center.
- Senate Democrats (led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota) demand ICE reforms—no masks on agents, body cameras, warrants, and a code of conduct—to avoid a government shutdown over DHS funding.
- Trump has signaled interest in “de-escalating a little bit” in Minnesota amid public backlash, though enforcement actions appear ongoing.
- Bruce Springsteen released a new protest song dedicated to Minneapolis and in memory of Alex Pretti.
- Germany’s Foreign Office issued a travel advisory citing potential violence in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities.
Upcoming Coverage
CNN will host a special town hall tonight at 8 p.m. ET titled “State of Emergency: Confronting the Crisis in Minnesota,” featuring Mayor Frey and other key officials.
This story is developing rapidly. Stay tuned for live updates as federal-local tensions, investigations, and protests continue to unfold.
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