President Donald Trump commented on Truth Social on 26/1, stating that two US citizens were "tragically killed" in Minneapolis this month. These deaths occurred during immigration enforcement operations when federal agents shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Pretti was shot dead on 25/1 while arguing with and filming immigration enforcement officers. This incident sparked strong opposition, with some Republican congressmen demanding an independent investigation. Local police reported that Pretti, who had a permit to carry a firearm, was disarmed and pinned to the ground by federal agents before being fatally shot at the scene. Top officials in the Trump administration accused Good and Pretti of acting like "domestic terrorists" and attempting to harm federal agents, though no evidence was presented. President Trump's social media post did not mention these specific accusations.

In an interview with WSJ, President Trump stated that his administration was "looking at all aspects" of Pretti's death. He did not comment on whether the federal agents' use of force was justified, but noted that Pretti had brought a firearm and two magazines to the protest area, suggesting "that is not okay either".

President Trump criticized leaders in Democratic-run states and cities for refusing to cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while "encouraging left-wing agitators to illegally obstruct operations targeting the worst offenders". He argued that "Democrats are prioritizing immigrant criminals over law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. They create a dangerous situation for all involved. Two US citizens tragically died due to the chaos created by Democrats."

In contrast, President Trump asserted that in Republican-governed cities and states, deportation operations are peaceful. This, he explained, is because local law enforcement is permitted to coordinate with federal counterparts. He cited five Republican states—Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana—where ICE arrested 150,245 immigrant criminals in the past year without any protests, riots, or chaos. "Why?" he asked, "Because local police and ICE work together."

President Donald Trump at the White House on 16/1. Photo: AP

President Trump urged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and all Democratic governors and mayors to "stop resisting or fanning the flames of division, chaos, and violence". He called on Democratic-led cities and states to cooperate with immigration agencies by handing over undocumented immigrants held in state and local jails to federal forces. He also demanded the transfer of immigrants with active warrants or criminal records for immediate deportation.

Trump believes local police should support federal forces in apprehending and detaining wanted immigrants, and Democratic politicians should cooperate in sweeping immigrant criminals to protect citizens. He also urged the US Congress to pass legislation eliminating "sanctuary cities" for undocumented immigrants, viewing these as the root of all problems.

Thanh Danh (According to AP, Politico, Times)