In a recent NBC News interview with anchor Tom Llamas, President Trump indicated a potential shift in his administration’s approach to illegal immigration enforcement, stating that he learned from the Minneapolis operation that “maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch, but you still have to be tough.”
This comment came amid backlash following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. Trump revealed that he personally ordered the withdrawal of 700 federal law enforcement officers from the state, describing it as a de-escalation while insisting the overall crackdown would remain firm. The president appointed border czar Tom Homan to oversee the Minneapolis efforts, aiming to reshape tactics after criticisms of aggressive methods like smashing car windows and kicking in doors.
Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, condemned the federal operation as dangerous and illegal, prompting Trump to note he had a productive conversation with Frey. Trump defended the initiative by claiming it removed over 4,000 dangerous criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota, contributing to reduced crime rates in the state. He urged greater cooperation from local authorities, emphasizing that his administration is waiting for them to release more prisoners for deportation.
In related remarks on Fox News, Trump reiterated the need to “de-escalate a little bit” in Minnesota while praising Homan’s leadership and the operation’s successes.
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