The Trump administration will withdraw 700 federal law enforcement officers from Minneapolis, following two fatal shootings and widespread protests. White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced the move on Wednesday, stating that it was the result of 'productive discussions' with state and local officials.
The remaining officers, around 2,000, will focus on 'targeted enforcement' against individuals deemed public safety threats, rather than conducting roving patrols. Homan said a joint unified operations centre has been established, with all remaining Border Patrol agents placed under the command of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The decision comes after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, by Border Patrol officers who shot him ten times after removing his legally held handgun. Video evidence contradicted initial statements from officials, leading to the recall of Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino to California.
Homan emphasised that the shift to targeted enforcement would be more efficient, requiring only one or two officers to arrest individuals already in custody. He confirmed that the federal government is not asking state or local facilities to detain people beyond their release date for immigration purposes.
