DHS Orders “Tactical Redeployment” of Federal Agents from Minneapolis
A major de-escalation is underway in the Twin Cities this Friday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially ordered a “tactical redeployment” of federal agents from downtown Minneapolis. This Minneapolis federal withdrawal marks a significant turning point in the standoff between state and federal authorities. The decision follows days of civil unrest sparked by the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti and a leaked report contradicting the government’s justification for his death. In response to the federal pullback, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the National Guard to ensure public safety during the transition.
DHS Secretary Announces “Operational Adjustment”
The announcement came early Friday morning, January 30, 2026. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement describing the move as a necessary “operational adjustment.”
While not explicitly admitting fault regarding the Pretti shooting or the aggressive tactics of “Operation Metro Surge,” the Secretary acknowledged the volatile environment. She stated that the current footprint of federal officers had become “counterproductive” to the agency’s mission.
“To ensure the safety of our personnel and lower the temperature in the region, we are initiating a tactical redeployment,” Noem stated. “Our agents will shift to perimeter support roles and reduce their visible presence in the city center immediately.”
Witnesses reported seeing tactical vehicles leaving downtown hotels and staging areas shortly after 8:00 a.m. The heavy armor and camouflaged personnel that had become a fixture on Nicollet Avenue are now departing. This visual change has brought a tentative sense of relief to residents who felt their city was under siege.
Governor Walz Activates National Guard
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acted swiftly to fill the security void. Recognizing that the sudden departure of federal forces could create a power vacuum, he signed an emergency executive order.
The order activates 500 members of the Minnesota National Guard. These citizen-soldiers will not engage in immigration enforcement. Instead, their mission is strictly defined as “peacekeeping and infrastructure protection.”
Governor Walz framed the move as a step toward healing. “The Minneapolis federal withdrawal is what we asked for,” Walz told reporters in St. Paul. “Now, Minnesotans will look out for Minnesotans. The Guard is here to protect free speech and property, not to intimidate our neighbors.”
Guard units will deploy to key locations, including the site of the Alex Pretti shooting. Their presence aims to deter opportunistic crime while allowing peaceful protests to continue without the tension caused by federal border agents.
Charges Filed in Attack on Rep. Omar
As the streets calm down, the legal system is moving forward against those who incited violence. Federal prosecutors announced charges against the man who attacked Representative Ilhan Omar on Tuesday.
Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, faces two federal counts: Assaulting a Member of Congress and Interfering with a Federal Official. Authorities accuse him of rushing the stage at a town hall and spraying the Congresswoman with a chemical substance.
Kazmierczak appeared before a federal magistrate judge on Thursday night. Prosecutors argued that he posed a significant flight risk and a danger to the community. They cited his social media history, which reportedly contained violent rhetoric against elected officials.
The judge agreed with the prosecution. He denied bail, ordering Kazmierczak to remain in federal custody pending trial. Rep. Omar released a brief statement thanking law enforcement. She reiterated her commitment to continuing her public schedule despite the attempt to intimidate her.
Leaked Report Changed the Calculus
Political analysts believe the Minneapolis federal withdrawal was inevitable following the events of Wednesday. A leaked report from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Professional Responsibility shattered the administration’s narrative regarding Alex Pretti.
The report confirmed that Pretti, the ICU nurse killed by agents on January 24, was unarmed at the moment of the shooting. It also revealed that agents mishandled evidence at the scene.
This revelation made the continued heavy federal presence politically untenable. Even allies of the administration in Congress began to express concern. The disconnect between the “assassin” claims and the internal facts eroded public trust.
Civil rights leaders in Minneapolis welcomed the withdrawal but cautioned that it is only a first step. They are demanding a full independent criminal investigation into the agents who fired the fatal shots.
“Leaving the city doesn’t erase the crime,” said a spokesperson for a local civil rights group. “We want justice for Alex, not just a change of the guard.”
A Weekend of Mourning and Protest
The city is now preparing for a massive weekend gathering. Organizers have scheduled a memorial march for Alex Pretti on Sunday. With the federal agents gone, leaders hope the event remains peaceful.
The Minnesota National Guard will maintain a low profile during the march. Their orders are to de-escalate and protect the demonstrators’ right to assemble.
Local businesses are cautiously reopening. Many had boarded up windows earlier in the week fearing riots. The reduction in tension has encouraged shop owners to resume operations.
However, the scars of the past week remain. The relationship between Minneapolis and the federal government is deeply fractured. The legal battles over immigration raids and the wrongful death lawsuit expected from the Pretti family will likely drag on for years.
For now, the immediate crisis appears to be breaking. The tanks are leaving, and the local community is reclaiming its streets.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor the transition. We will provide updates on the National Guard deployment and the funeral arrangements for Alex Pretti as they become public.
