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Trump signals shift in immigration enforcement approach
US President Donald Trump announced a potential shift toward a more measured enforcement strategy following criticism of federal operations in Minnesota, where two American citizens were killed in encounters with immigration agents last month.
Speaking to NBC News, Trump acknowledged that a "softer touch" might be warranted but emphasized that enforcement would remain stringent. "I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch," he said. "But you still have to be tough."
Agents withdrawn as federal presence scaled back
Tom Homan, the administration's border enforcement chief, confirmed that 700 federal immigration agents would be pulled from the Minneapolis area. Approximately 2,000 agents will remain, with plans to reduce the force to pre-December levels, when Operation Metro Surge began.
Homan defended the operation, stating that agents had targeted "bad people," including 14 individuals charged with homicide, 139 with assault, 87 sex offenders, and 28 gang members. However, he acknowledged room for improvement, describing the operation as "more streamlined" with a "unified chain of command."
Fatal shootings and protests spark backlash
The deaths of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good during encounters with federal agents have fueled protests and demands for accountability. Trump expressed dismay over the incidents, calling them "very sad" but noted that neither victim had a spotless record. "He was not an angel, and she was not an angel," he said, referencing unspecified past behavior.
When pressed on whether their histories justified the shootings, Trump responded, "No, it should not have happened."
In a separate case, five-year-old Liam Ramos was detained alongside his Ecuadorian migrant father before a judge ordered their release over the weekend. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the operation's impact on families.
Body cameras and local cooperation cited as improvements
Homan announced plans to equip all federal agents in Minneapolis with body-worn cameras, a move he described as a priority. The technology is expected to be deployed nationwide. He attributed the decision to scale back the operation to "unprecedented" cooperation from state and local officials.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, welcomed the reduction but called for further action. "Today's announcement is a step in the right direction, but we need a faster and larger drawdown of forces," he wrote on X. Walz also demanded state-led investigations into the killings of Pretti and Good and an end to what he termed a "campaign of retribution."
Justice Department removes lawyer critical of operation
The Justice Department reassigned Julie Le, a government lawyer who publicly criticized the immigration enforcement effort during a court hearing. According to CBS News, Le told a judge she hoped to be held in contempt of court "so that I can have a full 24 hours of sleep."
"What do you want me to do? The system sucks. This job sucks. And I am trying every breath that I have so that I can get you what you need."
Julie Le, former Justice Department lawyer
The Justice and Homeland Security departments have not commented on Le's removal.
White House defends adviser amid reported tensions
The White House reaffirmed its support for Stephen Miller, a senior adviser known for his hardline immigration stance, despite reports of friction between Miller and Trump. The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed sources saying Trump had grown uncomfortable with Miller's approach on certain fronts.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Miller as "intelligent, hardworking, and loyal."
