First Lady Melania Trump called for unity and peaceful protest amid unrest in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents, emphasizing cooperation between federal, state and local leaders as tensions remain high.
Speaking in response to questions about protests and violence in Minneapolis, the first lady urged demonstrators to avoid riots and called for calm as officials work to address the situation. “We need to unify. I’m calling for unity,” she said. “I know that my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor. And they are working together to make it peaceful and without riots and violence. So please, if you protest, protest in peace. We need to unify in these times.”
.@FLOTUS: "We need to unify. I'm calling for unity. I know my husband, the President, had a great call yesterday with the Governor and the Mayor… If you protest, protest in peace. We need to unify in these times." ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oj3skxpAYf
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 27, 2026
Her remarks came as demonstrations intensified following the shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was killed during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. According to federal officials, a Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly approached with a handgun and resisted efforts to disarm him. Video footage, however, showed Pretti holding a phone as he attempted to intervene when agents pushed protesters to the ground, before being pepper-sprayed, restrained and shot.
The incident sparked hundreds of protesters to gather in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred, with agents deploying tear gas and flashbang grenades to disperse crowds. Demonstrations later spread to other major cities, including New York, Washington and San Francisco, further intensifying scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics. The shooting followed another fatal incident earlier this month involving Renee Good, increasing tensions between Minnesota officials and the Trump administration.
Against that backdrop, President Donald Trump described recent outreach to Minnesota leaders as constructive. In a post, he said he had “a very good telephone conversation” with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and said progress was being made, adding that Tom Homan would meet with the mayor to continue discussions.
I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis. Lots of progress is being made! Tom Homan will be meeting with him tomorrow in order to continue the discussion. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 26, 2026
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Trump also said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz contacted him to request cooperation, describing their conversation as productive and focused on coordination. He said Walz welcomed Homan’s involvement in the state and that both leaders shared an interest in further reducing crime. Trump pointed to what he described as success in other cities where federal authorities have intervened, saying similar efforts could help stabilize the situation in Minnesota.
Governor Tim Walz called me with the request to work together with respect to Minnesota. It was a very good call, and we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength. I told Governor Walz that I would have Tom Homan call him, and that what we are looking for are any and all…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 26, 2026
Melania Trump’s call for unity came as protests and investigations continue, placing renewed focus on coordination between governments and appeals for calm during a period of heightened national attention on immigration enforcement and public safety.
