US First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare political statement after the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by ICE agents in Minnesota.
Speaking to the Fox News, Melania called for unity and urged protestors to remain calm amid rising tensions after Pretti’s killing. The incident marked the second fatal shooting involving federal officers in the state in less than a month, following the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good.
‘If you want to protest…’
Melania urged protestors to voice their grievances peacefully. “I’m against violence, so please, if you protest, protest in peace…I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,” she said.
Protests engulf Minnesota
Melania’s latest remarks come as largescale protests have engulfed Minnesota’s Minneapolis, which has emerged as a focal point of President Donald Trump’s intensive immigration enforcement drive. Thousands of federal agents from ICE and Customs and Border Protection have been deployed in the city, drawing criticism from local leaders and civil rights groups.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had accused the Trump administration of sending untrained federal agents into the state, warning that the expanded presence risks further violence. He had urged Trump to step up and put an “end” to the escalating situation.
What is Trump doing about the situation?
Trump, who is under immense pressure since the fatal killings and other incidents in the region, has deployed White House Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota. Tom, he says, will report directly to him and help bring order amid the chaotic atmosphere.
Further, Gregory Bovino was also removed from his role as Border Patrol “commander at large” and will return to his former job in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon, according to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the change.
Bovino’s sudden demotion by Trump after Pretti’s killing by Border Patrol agents, who were under Bovino’s command.