This was a big surprise to GOP voters.
Several Republican leaders are now publicly distancing themselves from President Donald Trump following a deadly confrontation in Minneapolis tied to federal immigration enforcement—drawing sharp criticism from conservatives who believe party leaders should be standing united during a national border crisis.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) issued a statement Sunday criticizing federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, who was killed during a protest opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Federal authorities have stated that agents believed Pretti posed a threat during a rapidly unfolding situation, a claim that has since become the subject of dispute and investigation.
In comments posted to social media, Scott argued that federal immigration operations have suffered from poor coordination and leadership, saying the situation in Minneapolis reflects a breakdown in public safety planning. He further suggested that the federal government should reconsider how enforcement actions are conducted during periods of heightened protest activity.
Scott later called on President Trump to pause immigration operations in Minnesota and urged Congress and the courts to intervene if changes are not made. His remarks placed him at odds with much of the Republican base, which has consistently supported Trump’s aggressive stance on border enforcement and federal authority.
The controversy intensified after Pretti’s parents released a statement describing their son as a dedicated ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital who cared deeply for veterans and his community. Their comments were shared publicly by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), further elevating national attention around the case and injecting partisan politics into the ongoing investigation.
The Minneapolis incident follows another fatal shooting involving a federal agent earlier this month, prompting renewed scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. Critics on the right argue that these cases are being used to undermine immigration enforcement broadly, rather than allowing investigations to proceed before drawing conclusions.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy (R) also addressed the situation, calling for a full federal and state review and emphasizing the importance of transparency. At the same time, many conservatives warn against rushing to judgment or weakening law enforcement morale during a period of historic illegal immigration and rising public unrest.
As President Trump continues pressing forward with his immigration agenda—one that remains popular with older and working-class voters—public criticism from Republican governors and senators is fueling frustration among conservatives who see it as political backstabbing at a critical moment for national security and border control.
