Stephen Miller, a top aide at the White House, recently addressed concerns over Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis. He mentioned they might not have followed proper protocols in the shooting of Alex Pretti. This was unexpected from Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration enforcement.
Miller stated that the White House had given clear instructions to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use additional personnel in Minnesota for safety during operations. He emphasized they should create a buffer between arrest teams and any potential disruptions. “We are evaluating why the CBP team may not have been following that protocol,” he added.
This statement marks a noteworthy shift from initial comments after Pretti’s death. Earlier, Miller had labeled Pretti a “would-be assassin” and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described his actions as “domestic terrorism.” However, video evidence showed that Pretti had been overwhelmed and disarmed by law enforcement before being shot.
President Trump contradicted Miller’s earlier claims regarding Pretti, indicating he hadn’t heard the terrorist rhetoric. To Miller, many initial statements came from reports on the scene, but as details emerged, so did scrutiny of these narratives.
On the day of the shooting, Noem was in constant contact with White House officials, including Miller. They guided her on how to address the incident, including making claims about Pretti “brandishing” a weapon, which later turned out to be false. Sources claimed Noem planned a firm defense of the agents involved, reflecting a unified front with the White House.
However, as information continued to surface, Trump began to distance himself from the initial messaging. He adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding the shooting, suggesting a shift in strategy as some within the Republican party expressed discomfort over the events.
Frustration emerged among officials about how the situation was handled. Trump reportedly spent hours watching the news coverage, clearly unhappy with how his administration was portrayed. Despite this backlash, sources indicated that neither Miller nor Noem were at risk of losing their positions. One official noted Trump was unlikely to part ways with someone as long-term as Miller.
Recently, Trump announced plans to “de-escalate” tensions in Minnesota, amidst rising concern from Republicans about the incident. He mentioned appointing Tom Homan to replace CBP official Gregory Bovino to lead operations on the ground. In a Fox News interview, Trump described this approach as a “change,” likening it to making small adjustments in business practices.
This incident highlights the complexities of law enforcement decisions in high-pressure situations. It raises questions about protocol adherence and accountability within border agencies. As discussions about immigration and safety continue, the reactions and policies from leaders will be crucial, shaping the narrative around such sensitive issues.
