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Body cameras issued to federal agents in Minneapolis
Federal immigration officers operating in Minneapolis will begin wearing body cameras, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week. The move follows public outrage over the recent deaths of two US citizens during an immigration enforcement operation.
Background to the crackdown
Alex Pretti, 24, died on 24 January after being shot multiple times by law enforcement officers, according to a report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. The examiner classified the death as a homicide, though the term does not imply criminal wrongdoing. Pretti was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he later died.
Renee Good also died last month during the federal immigration surge in Minneapolis. The circumstances surrounding Good's death have not been detailed in official reports.
Federal response and investigations
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Monday that body cameras would be immediately deployed to all officers in the field in Minneapolis. "Effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis," Noem wrote on X.
The two agents involved in Pretti's shooting were already equipped with body cameras, according to US Customs and Border Protection. Both have been placed on administrative leave while investigations proceed.
The US Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into Pretti's death. Meanwhile, DHS plans to expand the body camera program nationwide once funding is secured.
Political and local reactions
President Donald Trump commented on the deployment, stating that body cameras "generally tend to be good for law enforcement because people can't lie about what's happening." He added that he believes the cameras benefit law enforcement "80% of the time."
Local leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Michael Frey, have demanded the withdrawal of federal agents from the region. Frey emphasized that Minneapolis police should focus on "keeping Minneapolis residents safe" but noted that the city would cooperate with federal authorities in specific cases.
The Trump administration has criticized Minneapolis for its "sanctuary city policy," which restricts city employees from enforcing immigration laws. In response to tensions, the administration replaced US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino with border tsar Tom Homan.
Federal presence and future plans
Over 3,000 federal immigration officers have been deployed to Minnesota as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration ordered by President Trump. Homan, who recently met with local leaders, indicated that the federal presence could be reduced if state and local officials increase cooperation with federal authorities.
The deployment of body cameras comes as Congress remains deadlocked over government funding, with Democrats pushing for immigration reforms, including mandatory body cameras for federal agents, as part of any deal to end the partial government shutdown.
"We are working on a plan to draw down federal agents in Minneapolis, but the extent of the reduction will depend on the level of cooperation from state and local officials," Homan said.
