Thank You for Engaging with Governor Walz on Minneapolis Immigration Enforcement

I appreciate your willingness to engage in dialogue with Governor Tim Walz regarding the federal immigration enforcement presence in Minneapolis. Your agreement to look into reducing the number of federal agents currently deployed and working with the state in a more coordinated fashion represents a constructive step toward de-escalation. The deployment of approximately 3,000 federal immigration agents in Minneapolis has created significant tension in our community. The tragic killing of Alex Pretti on Saturday underscored the urgent need for a different approach. Your decision to send White House border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis and have him report directly to you demonstrates serious attention to this situation. I am particularly encouraged by several specific commitments from your call with Governor Walz. Your agreement to speak with the Department of Homeland Security about allowing Minnesota investigators to conduct their own investigation into the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good respects state jurisdiction and will help establish facts through an independent process. Additionally, the more measured approach taken by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, acknowledging this as a "fluid and fast-moving situation" and allowing facts to lead the investigation, represents appropriate restraint compared to initial accusations. Coordinated enforcement focused on violent criminals, as discussed in your call, makes more sense than the current massive deployment. Minnesota has consistently provided federal officials notice when releasing non-citizens, as Governor Walz reminded you, demonstrating that cooperation is possible without overwhelming federal presence. I urge you to follow through on reducing the federal agent presence in Minneapolis and establishing clear protocols that respect both state authority and community safety. A collaborative approach that prioritizes violent criminals while avoiding the community disruption caused by mass deployments will better serve public safety goals.