On Monday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media to share insights into the Trump administration’s strategy for reinstating peace in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This briefing was the first since the Saturday shooting of protester Alex Pretti by a Customs and Border Patrol officer, an incident that dominated discussions in the briefing room.

Leavitt began by expressing the administration’s strong disapproval of efforts by Democrats and extreme-left activists to disrupt “the will of the people.” President Trump has previously criticized the harsh treatment faced by federal immigration officers, who are implementing his policies. Leavitt condemned the left’s “deadly” resistance to law enforcement initiatives.

She outlined the administration’s plan to re-establish order in Minnesota, which included urging the state’s elected officials, primarily Democrats, to surrender undocumented immigrants and cooperate with federal agencies in apprehending those still at large.

Furthermore, Leavitt pressed Congress to enact legislation to eliminate sanctuary cities, emphasizing that American urban areas should serve as safe havens exclusively for “law-abiding citizens.”

She also encouraged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) to “continue to collaborate with President Trump to ensure the safety of the American public.” According to RedState’s Ward Clark, President Trump and Governor Walz had a constructive conversation on Monday morning, with the president noting they were “on a similar wavelength.”

1. All Democrat leaders should turn over all criminal illegal aliens currently incarcerated in their prisons & jails to federal authorities, along… pic.twitter.com/328ryPiXXx

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 26, 2026

.@POTUS  spoke with Gov Walz directly this morning and he has outlined a clear & simple path to restoring law and order in Minnesota.

1. All Democrat leaders should turn over all criminal illegal aliens currently incarcerated in their prisons & jails to federal authorities, along with any illegal aliens with active warrants or known criminal histories for immediate deportation

2. State & local law enforcement must agree to turn over ALL illegal aliens who are arrested by local police

3. Local police must assist federal law enforcement in apprehending and detaining illegal aliens who are wanted for crimes

Leavitt also urged Congress to pass immediate legislation to end sanctuary cities “once and for all,” noting that American cities should be safe sanctuaries for “law abiding citizens only.” 

She also called on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) to “continue to do the right thing and work with President Trump to keep the American people safe.” As RedState’s Ward Clark reported, the president and Walz apparently had a productive call Monday morning, with the president saying the two were “on a similar wavelength.”