Trump Blames Democratic Leaders After Minneapolis Shootings, Urges End to Sanctuary Cities

President Trump said in a series of social media posts on Sunday that two American citizens had "tragically" lost their lives amid his administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, and he blamed Democratic leaders for the deaths. The posts apparently referred to the deaths this month of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S.

citizens and Minneapolis residents who were shot and killed by federal immigration agents. Top administration officials had earlier, and without evidence, accused each of the shooting victims of "domestic terrorism," and the Times said video footage from the scenes contradicted the administration’s version of events.

According to videos, Mr. Pretti had been legally carrying a gun but was disarmed and pinned on the ground when he was shot, and gun rights groups including the National Rifle Association pushed back on federal claims that he lacked a Second Amendment right while protesting or observing agents.

Mr. Trump also called on officials in Democratic-led cities and states to work with immigration authorities by turning over undocumented immigrants in state prisons and local jails and urged Congress to "END Sanctuary Cities." He contrasted that response with Republican-led states, including Texas, Florida and Louisiana, where he said operations had not faced the same level of opposition.

Key Topics

Politics, Donald Trump, Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Minneapolis, Ice