In a fiery Truth Social post responding to the fatal shooting of a man by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, US President Donald Trump slammed state and city officials in Minnesota, accusing them of not supporting federal law enforcement and fomenting unrest.
“This is a marksman’s gun, loaded (with two more full magazines!) and ready to go – what’s the point?” Trump wrote, questioning the circumstances of the shooting. “Where are the local police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect the ICE officers? Did the mayor and the governor fire them?”
Enforcement of law enforcement challenges
Trump portrayed the situation as one where local law enforcement was limited or prevented from assisting federal officers. “It’s being reported that many of these officers were not allowed to do their jobs, that ICE has to protect itself – it’s not easy!” he wrote, advocating for a federal operation and rallying support for his immigration enforcement strategy.
He reiterated his view that federal agents were operating in a hostile environment and blamed state and city officials for what he characterized as incitement and obstruction. “The mayor and governor are inciting rebellion with their pompous, dangerous and arrogant rhetoric!” Trump said.
Political and unverified allegations
In addition to defending federal agents, the president broadened his criticism to broader political grievances. Trump took issue with comments about Rep. Ilhan Omar’s finances, claiming without evidence that “tens of billions of dollars” were stolen from Minnesota, alleging a connection to the unrest. “Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 million in his account? And where are the tens of billions of dollars that were stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota?” he wrote
“These fraudsters who stole money will go to jail where they belong!” Trump added, calling the violence and protests part of a larger cover-up and political conflict.
Advocating for ICE action and immigration enforcement
Trump also defended the broader immigration crackdown underway in Minnesota, claiming that federal authorities have removed “12,000 criminal illegal aliens” from the state and warning that the situation would be worse without the enforcement operation. “If they were still there, you would see something much worse than what you are witnessing today!” he wrote
Tensions over federal enforcement
The president’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in Minneapolis following several deadly and high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents that have sparked strong reactions from local officials and widespread protests.
Governor Tim Walz called for an end to the federal operation, while city officials and protesters criticized the tactics and presence of federal forces.
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Border Patrol agent kills gunman
A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration officials this month amid an increase in enforcement activity that has sparked wild protests across the city.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the agent fired in self-defense after trying to disarm a man who approached officers with a handgun and two magazines. Local police later confirmed the man was a US citizen.
The man was a legal gun owner: the police
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the slain man was a 37-year-old city resident with no criminal record except for traffic offenses and was legally permitted to own a firearm. His name has not been released by authorities.
“He was a lawful gun owner,” O’Hara said, adding that the scene of the incident remained unstable.
He urged residents to stay away from the area, warning of further unrest.
“Please don’t destroy our city,” O’Hara said.
Protests after the withdrawal of the agent
Hours after the shooting, tensions eased once federal agents appeared to have left the area, although protesters continued to chant into the evening.
The shooting came a day after more than 10,000 people marched in Minneapolis in freezing temperatures to protest President Donald Trump’s deployment of roughly 3,000 federal immigration agents to the state.
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