MINNEAPOLIS — The streets of Minneapolis have transformed into a constitutional battleground. On Monday, January 26, 2026, the city stood at a precipice as a federal judge weighed whether to halt a controversial immigration enforcement surge that has already claimed two lives this month. The legal clash follows a weekend of unrest sparked by the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal agents.
A City in Crisis
The atmosphere in the Twin Cities has shifted to a “dystopian” standoff between state and federal authorities. The surge, part of the administration’s “Operation Metro Surge,” has deployed thousands of federal officers to the region.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison have described the presence as a “menacing” operation. The conflict intensified Saturday when Alex Pretti was killed during a confrontation. Pretti, who worked at the local VA hospital, was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, though bystander videos suggest he was holding only a cellphone when he was tackled.
High-Stakes Court Hearings
In a federal courtroom in St. Paul on Monday, U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez heard arguments from the state seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the federal operation. The state argues the presence of these agents violates the Tenth Amendment and creates public chaos.
“Is there no limit to what the executive can do under the guise of enforcing immigration law?” Judge Menendez asked, reflecting the gravity of the constitutional questions at play.
Simultaneously, U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud issued a separate emergency order blocking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from “destroying or altering evidence” related to Pretti’s death after state investigators were allegedly blocked from the scene.
The NRA and Gun Rights Groups Break Silence
In a rare moment of friction between the administration and its traditional allies, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights organizations have issued scathing rebukes of federal rhetoric surrounding the shooting.
The NRA waded into the debate after a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney suggested that approaching law enforcement while armed makes a shooting “legally justified.” In a public statement, the NRA called that sentiment “dangerous and wrong,” adding:
“Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus echoed this, clarifying that there is no prohibition on a permit holder carrying a firearm at a protest. “These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed,” the group stated, noting that Pretti was a “lawful gun owner and permit to carry holder.”
Karoline Leavitt and the White House Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the administration’s tactics, though her tone on Monday shifted. Earlier in the month, Leavitt was combative, labeling protesters as “domestic terrorists.”
However, on Monday, Leavitt referred to the Pretti shooting as a “tragedy.” While she maintained that individuals who carry weapons near law enforcement “raise the assumption of risk,” she notably avoided the more aggressive rhetoric used by other officials. Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had a “productive” call with Governor Walz and that “Border Czar” Tom Homan would be dispatched to facilitate “constructive conversations” and potential de-escalation.
What’s Next?
As Judge Menendez deliberates on the injunction, the city remains on high alert. The outcome will not only determine the fate of the surge in Minnesota but could set a national precedent for the limits of federal executive power in “sanctuary” states.
News Sources & Links
- AP News: Judge hears arguments on Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota after fatal shootings
- The Guardian: NRA and pro-gun groups call for ‘full investigation’ into killing of Alex Pretti
- Star Tribune: NRA, local gun rights advocates reject Trump officials blaming Alex Pretti for being armed
- CBS News Minnesota: FBI to lead probe into Alex Pretti’s killing; Walz, Trump share “productive” call
- PBS NewsHour: Republican calls are growing for a deeper investigation into fatal Minneapolis shooting
- Fox News: Leavitt accuses Democrats of ‘lying’ about Minneapolis ICE shooting
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