U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott Bovino and some federal agents are reportedly leaving Minnesota following a phone call between President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Governor Walz described the call as "productive" and noted a "definite change of tone" and a more collaborative approach from the president. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also spoke with Trump and confirmed that some federal agents would begin departing the area.
President Trump indicated plans to send former ICE director Tom Homan to Minnesota and stated he would "do things differently." Walz mentioned that Trump agreed to review the number of federal agents in the state and discuss cooperation with an independent state investigation into the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Trump's social media posts suggested he and Walz were "on a similar wavelength," with the governor understanding the administration's interest in accessing undocumented individuals in custody.
A key point of discussion was whether Trump was aware that Minnesota's Department of Corrections already notifies ICE before releasing undocumented inmates. Walz believes Trump's understanding of this existing cooperation was a significant factor in the shift, suggesting Trump found it "helpful." Earlier, Trump had announced Homan's deployment to Minneapolis to report directly to him, a move welcomed by some as an "opportunity for a reset." Regarding the characterization of Alex Pretti as a domestic terrorist, a White House spokesperson stated that the president had not used such language and preferred to let the ongoing investigation proceed.