Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Trump Hints at Gentler Immigration Enforcement After Minneapolis Deaths


(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the recent fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis may prompt his administration to adopt a “little bit of a softer touch” in future enforcement actions.

"I learned that maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch," Trump told a news outlet. "But you still have to be tough."

He added that he had personally contacted Minnesota state and local officials following the incidents, including the governor and mayor, describing the conversations as “great,” but expressed frustration that both later publicly criticized the situation “as though a call wasn’t made.”

The remarks come amid an ongoing dispute between Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who have sharply criticized the federal immigration crackdown in the city and condemned the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37.

Investigations into Good’s death on Jan. 7 and Pretti’s death on Jan. 24 are still underway.

Trump border czar Tom Homan said that 700 federal immigration and border agents will be withdrawn from Minneapolis, citing what he called “unprecedented” cooperation from local counties. Some of these counties have agreed to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to take migrants directly into custody from local jails.

Trump confirmed that he personally ordered the reduction in federal enforcement presence while authorities await the release of detainees from local custody.

MENAFN05022026000045017640ID1110700346



MENAFN

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Search