US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says two agents involved in the fatal shooting of an American citizen in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave.
The killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, on Saturday provoked fresh protests in the state of Minnesota, public outcry across the US, and calls from lawmakers in both parties to remove the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to a preliminary DHS report sent to Congress, two officers fired their weapons at Pretti during a scuffle. Initial official accounts had alleged Pretti brandished his gun.
It is unclear when the agents were put on leave, or how long they will stay off the job. CBP told the BBC on Tuesday it had taken the agents off duty following standard protocol. Typically federal law-enforcement agents involved in a shooting remain on leave while the incident is investigated.
On Sunday, CBP Commander Gregory Bovino had told reporters that the agents were still on the job, but working in a different city.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot another US citizen, 37-year-old Renee Good, in Minneapolis on January 7 was also placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation.
While President Donald Trump in recent days said he intended to de-escalate in Minneapolis, where DHS has been carrying out its Operation Metro Surge since December 1, he appeared to ratchet up a war of words with the city's mayor on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Mayor Frey wrote on X that his city would not change its sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and that he had told Trump's border tsar Tom Homan that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws.
In response, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!
On Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the justice department had arrested 16 Minnesota rioters for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement.
We expect more arrests to come, she added.
Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, who has also demanded immigration officers leave the city, blamed Trump for increasing threats against her after she was attacked during a public event on Tuesday evening.
The suspect has been charged with third-degree assault for allegedly using a syringe filled with apple cider vinegar in the attack.
DHS has arrested more than 3,000 illegal immigrants in Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge, aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. This operation has faced protests in various Democratic-led cities.
A federal judge ordered the government to release all refugees arrested by immigration agents who were awaiting their permanent residency documents.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had previously accused Pretti of domestic terrorism and stated he was brandishing a gun, but video analysis shows no gun in Pretti's hand.
Lawmakers from both parties are demanding the removal of the DHS leadership following this controversial shooting.
