Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday called on residents to keep protests peaceful a day after 37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents in south Minneapolis, while pressing the Trump administration to pull federal immigration forces out of the state amid what Walz described as a dangerous escalation tied to “Operation Metro Surge.”
Speaking at a press conference and in remarks posted online, Walz urged Minnesotans to “stay peaceful, stay safe,” saying their “resolved defense” of neighbors and the Constitution has “won the hearts and minds of people across this country.”
Walz said he spoke Saturday with Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, and promised to keep the public focus on how their son lived, not only how he died. In his telling, Pretti was a VA nurse who cared for veterans, was valued at work, and had been present as a First Amendment witness to federal immigration activity. Walz also referenced another Minnesotan, Renee Good, saying the state was now mourning multiple deaths before families had time to fully tell their stories.
In his opening remarks, Walz framed the latest killing as part of a broader breakdown in public trust and safety. He accused the federal government of fostering “fear, violence and chaos” and said the state was “tired, but resolved,” and “angry, but” unwilling to give up hope. Walz challenged President Donald Trump directly, asking what plan exists to prevent further deaths and arguing that large numbers of federal agents should be withdrawn.
In closing remarks, Walz said national leaders and federal officials quickly labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” and he criticized what he described as a rush to shape the narrative, the handling of the scene, and the removal of evidence. He called the moment an “inflection point” and urged Americans across political lines to reject smears unsupported by what people could see.
Walz said Trump could “end this today” by pulling agents back and restarting what he called humane, focused immigration enforcement, while allowing Minnesota officials to carry out state law and restore a sense of normal life for families who, he said, are now afraid to leave their homes.
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