US President Donald Trump has spoken publicly about the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, both of whom were shot by federal agents amid heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis. Speaking on The Will Cain Show on Fox News, Trump described both incidents as “terrible”, while saying that Good’s death affected him particularly because her parents were supporters of his.
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During the interview, Trump reflected on the circumstances surrounding Good’s death on 7 January, saying it was unclear whether she had been radicalised and adding that he was saddened by the situation. He had previously acknowledged that her father was a strong supporter, a point he reiterated in comments made earlier this month. Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was reportedly shot while observing an immigration enforcement operation, according to local officials cited by US media.
The shooting of Alex Pretti has also drawn scrutiny. The Department of Homeland Security initially stated that Pretti approached officers while armed and resisted attempts to disarm him. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit. Witness footage has since emerged that appears to contradict the official account, prompting Pretti’s family to accuse the department of providing misleading information. Trump later said he did not believe Pretti was acting with intent to attack federal agents, contradicting earlier claims from authorities.
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Addressing immigration enforcement more broadly, Trump acknowledged that mistakes can occur during operations, describing the work of ICE agents as difficult and sometimes involving volatile situations. He also stated that enforcement activity in Minneapolis would be “de-escalated”, while stressing that this did not amount to a full withdrawal. Federal agencies and local authorities have continued to review the incidents as questions remain over the use of force and operational conduct.
