Trump tells Walz he’ll ‘look into’ reducing ICE presence as Minnesota court fights intensify

A surge meets backlash

Minnesota’s political focus on Monday remained dominated by fallout from the immigration enforcement escalation in Minneapolis and the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. State and local officials have accused federal agencies of overwhelming the city, disrupting normal law-enforcement coordination, and complicating investigations into the shooting. Protests have expanded as residents and civic leaders demand accountability and changes in tactics.

Walz’s office: Trump open to reducing agents and coordinating

Gov. Tim Walz’s office said he had a “productive” phone call with President Trump in which Trump agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and to work with the state more closely on enforcement priorities. Walz’s team also said the president agreed to discuss ensuring Minnesota’s criminal investigators can conduct their work, as legal scrutiny mounts over how the operation has been carried out.

Courts and oversight pressure converge

Two federal judges were weighing related disputes that could shape what happens next, including challenges to the surge’s legal basis and claims that federal agents have interfered with local investigative steps. At the same time, political pressure widened beyond Minnesota, with lawmakers from both parties calling for testimony and clearer answers about the chain of events leading to Pretti’s death and the rules governing federal operations in the city.

What to watch next

• Whether the federal courts impose restrictions or evidence-preservation requirements tied to the shooting investigation
• Whether DHS or the White House announces changes to deployment size, mission scope, or coordination protocols
• How congressional committees respond—through hearings, subpoenas, or budget leverage
• Whether local protests broaden, including calls for strikes or sustained demonstrations

For now, Minnesota officials say the central question is not only how immigration enforcement is being conducted, but also whether federal actions are undermining local governance and basic accountability after a lethal incident involving federal agents.