READ IT: Gov. Walz statement following Border Patrol killing Minnesota man

Gov. Tim Walz news conference following January 24, 2026 deadly shooting by federal officials

(CNN)

ST. PAUL, Min – Governor Tim Walz today issued the following statement in response to a third shooting involving federal law enforcement agents in Minnesota.

“The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. And today, that campaign claimed yet another life.

“I have seen the video. It is sickening. But Minnesota’s justice system will have the last word. It must have the last word.  

“As I told the White House in no uncertain terms this morning, the federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it. Period.   

“All of us understand the potential this incident has to further inflame tensions on our streets. The difference is, we want calm, and they want chaos. We cannot – we will not – give them what they want by meeting violence with violence.  

“Minnesotans and our local law enforcement have done everything we can to deescalate. The federal government must deescalate. I once again call on the President to remove the 3,000 agents from Minnesota who are sowing chaos and violence.   

“Despite these horrific acts by the federal government, Minnesotans are still standing up for the rule of law and the dignity of all people. They are protesting – loudly, urgently, but also peacefully – and it must stay that way. Minnesotans are witnessing, creating a log of evidence for future prosecution of ICE agents and officials. They are helping their neighbors, walking their kids to school, and feeding their families. I salute their courage – and their restraint.  

“They think they can provoke us into abandoning our own values. They are wrong. We will keep the peace. We will secure justice for our neighbors. And we will see this occupation end.”