President Donald Trump stated on Thursday evening that his administration would not be de-escalating immigration raids in Minneapolis, despite earlier indications to the contrary. This admission came just hours after a deal was reached with Senate Democrats to avert a government shutdown.
Shifting Messaging and a Fatal Shooting
The President’s statement followed a week of conflicting messages from his administration. The shift began after federal agents killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday, prompting Senate Democrats to threaten a shutdown if funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – and specifically, a proposed increase to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) budget – was included in any spending package.
Initially, the White House walked back comments from top officials who had labeled Pretti an “assassin” and “terrorist.” Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino was removed from overseeing the Minneapolis raid, and Tom Homan, the “border czar,” assured the media the operation would “draw down.” Trump himself stated on Tuesday that the administration would “deescalate a little bit” in Minneapolis.
Deal Reached, Then Contradicted
Following negotiations, Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) announced a deal Thursday afternoon to fund DHS for two weeks while longer-term negotiations continued. However, when questioned by a reporter that evening, Trump unequivocally stated, “No, no, not at all,” when asked if he was pulling back in Minneapolis. He added, “We want to keep our country safe. We’ll do whatever we can to keep our country safe.”
The Senate has yet to pass the funding package, facing resistance from some Republican holdouts, while others have characterized the negotiations as a win. Critics, however, argue the deal disproportionately benefits Trump.
What’s Next?
The Senate’s vote on the funding package will be a key indicator of the path forward. If the package fails to pass, a government shutdown remains a possibility. Even if it passes, the two-week timeframe will likely see continued debate over ICE funding and the scope of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and elsewhere. It is possible that further concessions will be sought by either side, or that the administration will continue its current course despite ongoing criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial threat of a government shutdown?
Senate Democrats threatened a government shutdown over the inclusion of funding for the Department of Homeland Security and a proposed increase to the budget of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What changes did the Trump administration make in response to the shooting of Alex Pretti?
The White House initially walked back comments calling Alex Pretti an “assassin” and “terrorist,” removed a Border Patrol official from overseeing the Minneapolis raid, and indicated the operation would “draw down.”
What did President Trump say about de-escalating in Minneapolis?
President Trump initially stated the administration would “deescalate a little bit” in Minneapolis, but later confirmed on Thursday evening that there would be no de-escalation.
Given the shifting statements and ongoing negotiations, how will the balance between political compromise and immigration enforcement ultimately be struck?
