Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has issued a desperate public plea to President Donald Trump, demanding the immediate withdrawal of federal immigration agents from the state. This urgent appeal follows the tragic death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot by a Border Patrol agent during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Saturday.
A Second Tragedy Sparks Outcry
The fatal incident involving Pretti marks the second such shooting in a matter of weeks. In late September, 37-year-old Renee Good was also killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer less than a mile from where Pretti lost his life. Both shootings occurred during targeted immigration enforcement actions, raising serious concerns about the conduct and presence of federal officers in Minnesota.
Walz's Direct Appeal to the President
During a public address on Sunday, Governor Walz spoke directly to President Trump, questioning the administration's strategy and pleading for a change in approach. "What is the plan, Donald? What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state?" Walz implored. He emphasised that Trump has the power to end the current situation immediately.
"President Trump, you can end this today. Pull these folks back, do humane, focused, effective immigration control — you've got the support of all of us to do that," Walz stated. "Show some decency. Pull these folks out."
Confronting the Administration's Stance
The governor's plea comes amid an ongoing conflict with the Trump administration and Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a letter sent on Saturday, Bondi outlined specific conditions that must be met before ICE agents would consider withdrawing from Minnesota. Walz, however, has rejected this approach, arguing that the presence of what he described as "3,000 untrained agents" poses an unacceptable risk to public safety.
"We believe in law and order in this state. In this state, we believe in peace, and we believe that Donald Trump needs to pull these 3,000 untrained agents out of Minnesota before they kill another person," Walz declared during his address.
A Call to the American Public
Beyond his direct appeal to the President, Governor Walz also addressed the American people, urging them to take a stand against the current immigration crackdown and the killing of civilians by federal officers. He posed a stark question about the kind of government citizens wish to support.
"What side do you want to be on?" Walz asked. "The side of an all powerful federal government that can kill, injure, menace and kidnap its citizens off the streets or on the side of a nurse at the V.A. who died bearing witness to such government."
Remembering Alex Pretti
Walz shared that he had spoken with Michael and Susan, the parents of Alex Pretti, in the aftermath of their son's death. He recounted their profound grief and their determination to ensure their son's story is not forgotten.
"I had the privilege of talking with Michael and Susan, Alex's parents yesterday, and the heartache in the hours after your son is murdered in front of the world is one thing, but what stood out to me was a parent's desire and their passion to make sure that the story of Alex was told," Walz explained. He noted that Pretti's father had specifically urged: "Don't let them forget Alex's story."
Minnesota's Defiant Response
The governor expressed pride in how Minnesota has responded to the federal presence and the recent violence. He suggested that President Trump may have been attempting to "make an example of Minnesota" but asserted that the state has demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity.
"You thought fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation," Walz stated. "We are tired, but we're resolved. We're peaceful, but we'll never forget. We're angry, but we won't give up hope, and above all else, we are clearly unified."
The situation remains fluid as tensions between state leadership and the federal government continue to escalate over immigration enforcement tactics and the use of force by federal agents on American soil.
