"This is all designed to supress our rights," Rep. Jayapal reflects on immigration operation in Minnesota

The Trump Administration might be dialing down some of its most confrontational immigration enforcement operations focused on the Twin Cities.

Alex Pretti, a 37 year old VA nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday by Customs and Border Patrol agents. It was the second deadly shooting in one month by immigration officers in Minnesota. 

Federal officials said Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.” Pretti did have a gun on him, which he was legally licensed to carry.  Video of the scene does not show him brandishing the weapon and he appeared to be disarmed before he was shot by CBP. 

After several members of his administration spent the weekend defending the agents’ actions, President Trump on Monday relieved Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino of command duties in Minnesota and put border czar Tom Homan in charge.

Governor Tim Walz said in a statement that he spoke with Homan this morning and they agreed to the need for “an ongoing dialogue.”

Since the Pretti killing, some Republicans in congress have signaled rare criticism of the President’s policies. Some called for an  independent investigation and appear to be pushing to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota. 

Meanwhile, there is a showdown in Congress this week over funding for DHS – fueled by outrage over the events in Minneapolis – and it’s all leading to a potential federal government shutdown looming on Friday.

Guest: 

Rep. Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th District

Relevant Links:

NPR: In the wake of Alex Pretti's death, Congress appears on track for a partial shutdown

NPR: Tensions escalate in Minnesota after another killing

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