Washington, United States. The White House said President Donald Trump does not want people hurt or killed in the United States but will not back down from efforts to deport “violent criminal illegal aliens” from Minnesota. The comments came after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by federal officers sparked outrage.
White House response after fatal shooting
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters following Saturday’s killing of Pretti, which was the second fatal shooting of a US citizen in Minnesota this month. Leavitt said the administration’s priority remains deporting people it describes as violent criminals.
Accounts of the incident disputed
Leavitt said the shooting followed what she described as “a deliberate and hostile resistance by Democrat leaders in Minnesota for weeks.” Video from the scene verified by Reuters contradicts the administration’s account that agents fired in self-defense after Pretti approached them with a handgun.
Footage shows Pretti holding a phone as agents wrestle him to the ground, and shows officers removing a firearm stored near his waistband after he was subdued, moments before they fatally shot him. Pretti was a licensed gun owner.
Trump stance on deportations
Leavitt said Trump “will never back down from his promise to deport violent criminal illegal aliens and make America safe again,” and said he welcomes cooperation in that effort. She called on Minnesota political leaders to turn over illegal immigrants in jails to federal authorities, along with any illegal aliens with active warrants or known criminal histories for immediate deportation.
Political opposition and calls for legislation
Democratic leaders have opposed the administration’s surge of immigration agents to Minnesota, describing it as a lawless invasion that puts public safety at risk. Large street protests have been held in below-freezing temperatures.
Leavitt said Trump wants Congress to immediately pass legislation ending policies that some cities have in providing sanctuary to undocumented border crossers.
What do you think Congress should do next in response to the White House’s calls on immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies?