A prominent Republican Governor has publicly condemned the fatal shooting of a protester by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, labelling the incident as "murder" and delivering a sharp rebuke of former President Donald Trump's ongoing immigration enforcement crackdown.
GOP Figures Voice Outrage Over Fatal Incident
Vermont Governor Phil Scott has joined a rising chorus of Republican lawmakers expressing profound outrage following the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, on Saturday. Governor Scott took to social media platform X to articulate his forceful condemnation of the federal operation.
"At best, these federal immigration operations are a complete failure of coordination of acceptable public safety and law enforcement practices, training, and leadership," the Republican Governor declared in his post. "At worst, it's a deliberate federal intimidation and incitement of American citizens that's resulting in the murder of Americans. Again, enough is enough."
Internal Administration Shifts and Escalating Protests
In response to the deteriorating situation in Minnesota, Trump reportedly sidelined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday, appointing ICE veteran Tom Homan to assume command of the operation. This decision followed internal concerns regarding Noem's public messaging after she characterised the deceased protester as a "domestic terrorist".
The political fallout has been accompanied by significant civil unrest. On Sunday night, riots erupted outside a Hilton hotel in Minneapolis, where ICE agents are believed to be stationed. Protesters vandalised the property, smashing windows and spray-painting the facade, while others chanted and demonstrated in front of the building.
Growing Calls for Investigation and Policy Review
Remarkably, calls for a thorough investigation and a reassessment of tactics are emerging from within Trump's own party, including some of his staunchest allies. Republican figures are urging a full inquiry into Pretti's shooting and even suggesting the withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota.
Senator Pete Ricketts, a close presidential ally, called for a "prioritized, transparent investigation", while reaffirming his support for ICE funding. "But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble," the Nebraska Republican stated online.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the shooting as a "real tragedy" and publicly questioned the administration's strategic objectives. "Nobody likes the feds coming to their states," Stitt told CNN. "And so what is the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non-US citizen? I don't think that's what Americans want."
Administration Narrative and Political Repercussions
Trump administration officials have swiftly worked to frame Pretti as the instigator. Secretary Noem asserted that Pretti "approached" immigration officers with a firearm and acted violently. However, video evidence from the scene shows Pretti being pushed by an officer before several agents descended upon him; he is seen holding a mobile phone but is not witnessed brandishing the handgun he was licensed to carry.
Despite this, Trump and his officials have remained steadfast in defending their hardline immigration tactics in Minneapolis, attributing blame to the state's Democratic leadership and local law enforcement for a lack of cooperation. In a detailed social media post, Trump called on Minnesota's Democratic officials to "formally cooperate" with his administration and urged Congress to outlaw sanctuary cities.
Signs of Republican Pushback in a Critical Election Year
The positions adopted by figures like Governor Scott signal potential internal pushback for the administration as it attempts to characterise Pretti—a protester against Trump's immigration policies—as a violent demonstrator. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller referenced an "assassin" and "domestic terrorist" in social media posts, while Noem claimed Pretti arrived to "impede a law enforcement operation".
This incident arrives at a politically sensitive juncture for the Republican Party as it gears up for a challenging midterm election cycle. Trump's approval ratings on immigration, traditionally a strong asset, have declined significantly. A recent AP-NORC poll found just 38 percent of US adults approved of his handling of immigration in January, a notable drop from 49 percent in March.
The fatal shooting in Minneapolis has not only sparked public protest but has also exposed rare fissures within the GOP, prompting serious questions about enforcement methods and the balance between security operations and civil liberties as the political landscape intensifies.
