This was unexpected.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is demanding that federal law-enforcement officers leave the state following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, escalating a growing confrontation between state Democrats and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement.
At a Saturday press conference, Walz called on President Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents, accusing them of creating instability and operating without accountability. His remarks echoed earlier comments from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who also urged federal officers to leave.
Walz said he spoke twice with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles earlier in the day, pressing for the immediate removal of the agents and warning that their continued presence could lead to more violence. He also announced that Minnesota would conduct its own investigation into the shooting.
“The state will handle this,” Walz said, adding that federal agencies cannot be trusted to investigate themselves.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the individual who died was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Department of Homeland Security said the man was an armed illegal immigrant and that the agent involved fired defensive shots while fearing for his life.
Walz strongly disputed that account, citing video footage circulating online that appears to show several federal agents restraining a man in the street moments before the shooting.
“Without that video, we’d be told a completely different story,” Walz said, accusing federal officials of misrepresenting the facts.
The incident comes just weeks after another fatal shooting in Minnesota involving an agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, intensifying scrutiny of the Trump administration’s expanded immigration enforcement operations in the state.
Democratic lawmakers quickly escalated their rhetoric. Representative Ilhan Omar called for both ICE and Customs and Border Protection to leave Minnesota entirely, claiming their presence has endangered communities.
Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed those demands, writing online that federal officers should be removed immediately and criticizing Republicans in Congress for remaining silent.
The White House fired back. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused Minnesota’s Democratic leadership of undermining federal law enforcement and protecting individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
Walz closed his remarks by urging Americans nationwide to support Minnesota’s actions, framing the dispute as a fight over accountability, transparency, and state authority.
“This state will keep the peace,” Walz said. “We will demand answers, protect our communities, and hold those in power accountable.”