President Donald Trump has indicated Ice agents will leave Minneapolis in the wake of a second fatal shooting involving immigration enforcement officers this month.
The US President also announced he would send border tzar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee the operations there.
In a Truth Social post, the President stated: "(Homan) has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me."
Mr Homan is viewed as a potential challenger to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who faces mounting scrutiny over the handling of immigration enforcement in the Midwest state.
Mr Trump had previously suggested that immigration enforcement personnel would eventually depart the Minneapolis area, though he declined to specify when this might occur.
"At some point we will leave," the president said, whilst praising the work of federal agents.
Regarding the shooting incident that sparked the unrest, Mr Trump stated the administration was examining the circumstances.
"We're reviewing everything and will come out with a determination," he said.
President Trump has indicated Ice agents 'will leave' Minneapolis
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The president also criticised Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old nurse killed by a Border Patrol agent, for being armed during the protest.
"I don't like any shooting…But I don't like it when somebody goes into a protest and he's got a very powerful, fully loaded gun," he remarked.
It is not known precisely what role Mr Homan will take in the current Ice operations, nor what authority it leaves Mrs Noem.
Meanwhile, President Trump separately announced that a significant investigation is underway concerning alleged welfare fraud in Minnesota, which he linked to the ongoing demonstrations.
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Border tsar Tom Homan will take over immigration operations in the Midwest state
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"Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets," the President wrote.
He also revealed that federal authorities are scrutinising the finances of Representative Ilhan Omar.
"Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at 'Congresswoman' Illhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
The fatal shooting of Mr Pretti on a Minneapolis street has sparked condemnation across the political divide in the US.
The presence of Ice agents, and the fatal shooting of two protesters, has sparked outrage across the US
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Senate Democrats under Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have threatened to block Department of Homeland Security funding.
Meanwhile, former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene has cautioned that the situation risks escalating into civil war.
Mr Trump has urged Democratic governors and mayors to cooperate with federal immigration efforts and pressed Congress to pass legislation ending sanctuary cities.
"We'll leave a different group of people there for the financial fraud," the President added.
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