In a recent statement, President Donald Trump declared his intent to continue the deportation of “violent criminal illegal aliens” from Minnesota, despite expressing a desire to prevent violence on American streets. This assertion comes amidst heightened tensions following recent incidents involving federal officers.

The discussion erupted after the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, who was fatally shot by federal officers, sparking widespread outrage. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media in the wake of this incident, which marks the second fatal shooting involving a U.S. citizen in Minnesota this month.

Leavitt attributed the unfortunate events to what she described as “deliberate and hostile resistance” from Democratic leaders in Minnesota. According to her, this opposition has been ongoing for weeks, leading to the tragic circumstances on Saturday.

However, video footage from the scene, confirmed by Reuters, challenges the administration’s narrative. Contrary to claims that immigration agents acted in self-defense when Pretti allegedly approached them with a handgun, the video reveals a different story.

The footage depicts Pretti holding a phone rather than a weapon as agents apprehend him. It further shows officers retrieving a firearm from Pretti’s waistband after he had been subdued, only moments before he was shot. Notably, Pretti was a licensed firearm owner.

Leavitt said Trump “will never back down from his promise to deport violent criminal illegal aliens and make America safe again, and he welcomes all cooperation in that effort.”

‘On a similar wavelength’

In a sharp reversal, Trump said on Monday he was “on a similar wavelength” with the Democratic governor of Minnesota.

The surprise comments on social media by Trump after what he described as a “very good call” with Minnesota governor Tim Walz could indicate a de-escalation of his immigration crackdown in the state, as public polls show waning support for his approach to immigration.

Minnesota governor Tim Walz has been critical of Trump’s immigration crackdown. Source: Getty / Alex Kormann

Walz and other Democratic leader have fiercely opposed the Trump administration’s surge of immigration agents to Minnesota, which they have characterised as a lawless invasion that puts public safety at risk.

Massive street protests have also been held in below-freezing temperatures.

Trump, for his part, has spent the past month accusing Walz of incompetence for failing to stop a welfare-fraud scandal in the state.

Walz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Leavitt called on Minnesota political leaders to turn over illegal immigrants in jails to federal authorities, along with any illegal aliens with active warrants or known criminal histories for immediate deportation.

She said Trump wants Congress to immediately pass legislation ending policies that some cities have in providing sanctuary to undocumented border crossers.

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