At a Glance
- President Trump and Gov. Tim Walz had a phone call that could ease tensions over recent federal shootings.
- Trump offered to send DHS’s Tom Homan and to focus on “criminals” in custody.
- Walz said the state is cooperating and asked for a review of the shootings.
Why it matters: The call signals a potential shift in federal-state cooperation on law-enforcement matters in Minnesota.
A call between President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday was praised by both men and could signal a path toward easing the growing tensions in the state caused by two recent fatal shootings by federal immigration agents.
Background of Tensions in Minnesota
The state has been rocked by a series of incidents that have drawn national attention. In early April, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a routine traffic stop in Minneapolis. A few days later, another federal officer shot Renee Nicole Good, a 30-year-old woman, in a separate incident.
These shootings followed a federal fraud scandal that implicated Gov. Walz and raised questions about his handling of state law-enforcement agencies. The incidents have fueled protests and accusations that the state’s officials are not fully cooperating with federal authorities.
The Phone Call
Trump posted on Truth Social that the call was “very good” and that the two men were “on a similar wavelength.” He added that he had told Walz he would have DHS’s Tom Homan reach out to the governor.
Walz’s office confirmed a “productive” conversation. It said Trump agreed to speak to the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that state investigators could conduct independent investigations into the shootings of Pretti and Good.
“We are investigating the cause,” said Karoline Leavitt, White House spokeswoman, during a briefing on Monday afternoon. She explained that the administration wanted Minnesota to turn over “criminal illegal aliens currently incarcerated in their prisons and jails to federal authorities.”
White House Proposals
Trump announced that he was sending Homan to Minnesota to address the outcry over Pretti’s death. He also said his team is focused on looking for “any and all criminals” in state custody.
Key points from the White House’s plan include:
- Deployment of Tom Homan to coordinate immigration enforcement.
- A focus on criminals rather than all undocumented immigrants.
- Requests for the release of undocumented inmates to federal authorities.
- Encouragement of state and local officials to turn over undocumented immigrants arrested by local police.
These proposals aim to reduce the number of federal agents on the ground while increasing cooperation between state and federal law-enforcement agencies.
Governor’s Response
Walz’s office said the governor was “happy” that Homan would be in Minnesota and that the White House had understood the state’s position.
In a separate statement, Walz said the Minnesota Department of Corrections honors all federal and local detainers by notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a person in custody isn’t a U.S. citizen. He added that the department has never released someone from state prison without ensuring a smooth transfer of custody.
Walz also pushed back on the White House’s claim that the state was not cooperating. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, he wrote, “The Minnesota Department of Corrections honors all federal and local detainers by notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a person committed to its custody isn’t a U.S. citizen. There is not a single documented case of the department’s releasing someone from state prison without offering to ensure a smooth transfer of custody.”
Political Reactions
The call and subsequent statements have sparked varied reactions. On Sunday, Walz criticized Trump for “underestimating” the people of Minnesota, asking, “What’s the plan, Donald Trump? What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state?”
Former Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., weighed in on Fox News, saying, “We certainly should not be labeling him as a domestic terrorist who was going to execute cops. There is no evidence to support that.”
The White House has not yet responded to requests for more information about the call, and it remains unclear how the proposed changes will be implemented.
What Happens Next
Both sides have indicated a willingness to move forward. Trump has pledged to send Homan and to look into reducing federal agent presence. Walz has asked for an independent review of the shootings and has reiterated the state’s cooperation with federal authorities.
The next steps will likely involve:
- Homan’s arrival and coordination with Minnesota officials.
- An independent investigation into the shootings by state investigators.
- Ongoing dialogue between the White House and the governor’s office to address the state’s concerns about federal presence.
These developments could reshape the relationship between Minnesota and the federal government over immigration enforcement and law-enforcement cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- Trump and Walz’s call marks a shift toward potential cooperation.
- The White House proposes sending DHS’s Tom Homan and focusing on criminals.
- Walz’s office confirms Minnesota’s cooperation and seeks an independent review of shootings.
- Political reactions remain mixed, with concerns over federal presence and accountability.
- The outcome will depend on how the proposed changes are enacted and monitored.
