Withdraw federal agents immediately, says Tim Walz to Trump

Published: 26 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Minnesota governor Tim Walz urged Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents immediately, following the deadly shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. The governor’s appeal highlights growing public concern over federal intervention and the safety of civilians. “President Trump, you can end this now. Pull these agents back and act with humane enforcement,” Walz said at a press briefing. Evidence suggests Pretti posed no threat, contradicting federal claims, and fueling calls to withdraw federal agents immediately from Minnesota. The incident has sparked national debate about balancing immigration enforcement with citizen safety.

Walz, not seeking re-election this year, framed his appeal as a moral choice for the public and officials. He urged reconsideration from those who had previously supported ICE operations, stating that the time has come to prioritize human rights. “Which side do you want to be on?” he asked, referencing both the federal enforcement approach and the tragic outcome for Pretti. Walz’s comments underscore the need to withdraw federal agents immediately to restore public trust and accountability in law enforcement operations.

Federal officials defended their actions, with border patrol commander Gregory Bovino claiming that individuals entering active law enforcement scenes accept potential consequences. “When someone interferes with law enforcement, they make a choice,” Bovino said, indirectly referring to Pretti. This assertion clashes with multi-angle video footage, showing that Pretti had been disarmed before being fatally shot. The contrasting narratives have intensified debates over transparency, accountability, and the legitimacy of federal intervention in state affairs.

US attorney general Pam Bondi pressed Walz to comply with federal directives, claiming state officials failed to enforce the law effectively. Bondi emphasized oversight of welfare programs and voter registrations, suggesting reforms would restore order. Walz countered, accusing federal agents of obstructing investigations and “sweeping away evidence” of Pretti’s death. Advocates for state authority continue to demand independent investigation to ensure justice.

Local authorities also criticized federal actions. Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara highlighted that Pretti exercised constitutional rights when shot, describing the response as unprofessional. Similar concerns arose in Maine, where ICE detained a corrections officer, prompting sheriff Kevin Joyce to call the agency’s tactics a show of force. These incidents illustrate tensions between federal presence and local law enforcement priorities, reinforcing the need to withdraw federal agents immediately in sensitive situations.

The situation in Minnesota demonstrates the friction between state authority and federal enforcement powers. Walz emphasized that video evidence contradicted federal claims, reinforcing the demand to withdraw federal agents immediately. Citizens remain divided between support for immigration control and opposition to aggressive enforcement, highlighting the delicate balance required in law and human rights protections.

Governor Walz’s appeal prioritizes humane enforcement, transparency, and public trust. State officials continue to request access to incident scenes and evidence, underscoring the importance of independent oversight. Federal authorities maintain that investigations will follow protocol, though delays and restricted access exacerbate public frustration. Minnesota’s experience may serve as a precedent for assessing federal-state dynamics nationwide, stressing why calls to withdraw federal agents immediately remain critical.

The Pretti incident reflects the complex interplay of law enforcement, civil liberties, and political accountability. Advocates argue that federal presence should not override local law or human rights. Walz’s urgent request aims to restore confidence in governance while preventing further tragedies. Public focus remains on Minnesota as the investigation progresses, raising questions about federal methods and broader civil liberty implications.

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