Kyle Cave

Staff Writer

Since the start of 2026, the country has witnessed the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal border patrol agents. This stems from the massive immigration crackdown the Trump Administration has waged on several cities across America.

The administration’s focus has now largely turned to the city of Minneapolis. In the city, a fraud scandal involving billions of dollars in federal tax dollars was uncovered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The situation reached a boiling point when right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley filmed himself outside of Minnesota daycare centers, claiming he had uncovered more fraud. Shirley’s new allegations of fraud came with little evidence of fraud occurring and have come under heavy scrutiny.

In response to this video, the Trump Administration started “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota to deport undocumented immigrants.

Since this operation began, clashes have been seen in the streets of Minnesota between agents and protesters. Individuals have been dragged out of their cars and homes.

Then came the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. These shootings have sparked national outrage at ICE and DHS. At the political level between Republicans and Democrats we see a sharp divide.

Republicans are largely in agreement with the Trump Administration’s tactics and often say that protestors “shouldn’t impede law enforcement.”

On the other side, Democrats are outraged by ICE’s actions, with several Democrats calling for the defunding and or abolishment of ICE.

The Courier was able to get a brief phone interview with Representative Tarah Probst. What was discussed was the death of Alex Pretti and ICE.

On the killing of Alex Pretti, Probst delivered a fierce rebuke of the killing.

“I’m not mad anymore, I’m sad,” said Probst.

Probst also said she believes the Trump Administration is pushing a narrative about the shooting. She believes Americans see through the narrative.

Probst mentioned she knows people who voted for Donald Trump personally. She says that they are disgusted by everything that is unfolding in the country currently, and how “this is now what they voted for.”

In the Senate, a government funding bill was due to pass by January 31. The bill included more funding for DHS and ICE. Senate Democrats have signaled they will not be voting for the funding of the bill due to ICE’s killings.

Since the writing of this article, a partial government shutdown has happened over DHS funding. The government has reopened as well, but another partial shutdown is likely to happen over DHS funding again in the coming days.

The Courier asked Probst if she would hypothetically vote for this funding bill as is if she were in the Senate. Probst said she wouldn’t.

Probst acknowledged the need for border security and said she doesn’t desire to defund the police. But due to the actions of ICE, she cannot support it, saying, “They want to give them another $10 billion for what?” asked Probst.

If this upcoming government funding bill doesn’t get passed through the Senate, a government shutdown will happen.

The interview was concluded with Probst expressing her strong disapproval of the federal government, likening it to a kangaroo court. She also compared ICE’s actions to the actions of the January 6 rioters.

“It’s chaos nonstop; it’s like watching January 6th all over again.”