The MAGA world is showing clear signs of strain as the Trump administration scrambles to contain the fallout from its aggressive immigration operation in Minneapolis.
While walking the red carpet this week, President Trump was asked whether he planned to start “pulling back” in the city. He shook his head, said, “No, not at all,” and walked away. The brief exchange came as pressure on the White House continues to build.
Q: So you’re not pulling back in Minnesota?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 30, 2026
TRUMP: No no. Not at all. pic.twitter.com/JfSkzClHci
Behind the scenes, the administration has already begun shifting course. The change followed the deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal immigration operations in Minnesota, including 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was killed during a protest involving immigration agents.
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Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama commented on the tragedy, saying, “The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake‑up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.”
In response, Trump removed Customs and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino from the Minneapolis mission and replaced him with border czar Tom Homan. The move was widely seen as an effort to stabilize a situation that had spiraled politically and publicly.
Homan made his intentions clear during his first press conference in Minnesota, drawing a sharp contrast with the approach that came before him. “I didn’t come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines,” he said. “I came here to seek solutions.” He repeated the line later, signaling a clear rejection of the high-visibility tactics that defined the operation under Bovino.
Homan also stressed that the mission would be handled differently going forward, promising enforcement that would be “smarter” and “by the book.” He acknowledged that the operation he inherited needed changes, adding, “I do not want to hear that everything that has been done here has been perfect.”
The border czar confirmed that Trump personally called him and asked him to step in. According to Homan, even the president conceded adjustments were needed. He said enforcement would refocus on targeting the “worst of the worst,” prioritizing public safety and national security rather than broad street-level sweeps.
Throughout the briefing, Homan repeatedly distanced himself from the earlier strategy without naming names, though the message was unmistakable. The administration, he indicated, was no longer interested in showmanship.
Featured image via X screengrab
