Major Garrett opens The Takeout from Washington with coverage of two major stories: the deadly shooting of Alex Preti in Minneapolis during federal immigration enforcement operations, and the widespread winter storm that disrupted power and travel across much of the country.
Minneapolis, immigration enforcement and Alex Preti
Alex Preti, a VA intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by federal officials after being knocked to the ground during immigration enforcement activity. Video shows Preti recording officers and being surrounded by multiple agents; pepper spray had been used earlier and an officer removed a holstered 9mm handgun Preti was permitted to carry. Federal officials described Preti’s actions as obstructive; some senior administration advisers used stronger language characterizing him as an attacker. The White House later distanced itself from those rhetoric choices.
Major Garrett frames the central questions: Was Preti exercising First Amendment rights or impeding federal enforcement? Did use of force need to result in death? How those questions are answered will shape national debate, justice expectations, and constitutional concerns. Minneapolis police officials describe being stretched thin, and local leaders and residents report widespread fear and disruption.
On the ground: Lilia Luciano reports from the memorial site where Preti was killed. She describes a solemn community, memorials, frightened local businesses, an immigration attorney reporting intimidation, and claims that enforcement is being targeted at specific communities, deepening tensions among federal, state, and city authorities.
Law enforcement analysis: Rodney Harrison, former police commissioner and CBS News contributor, raises tactical questions—whether de‑escalation was attempted, how communication about the removal of a firearm was transmitted among agents, and whether the officers had adequate protocols for handling observers recording enforcement. He underscores the need for a neutral, cooperative investigation involving federal and state investigators, and for stronger de‑escalation training standards for federal agents operating in cities amid protests.
Investigations and political fallout
The FBI and DHS inspector general are conducting a federal probe; Minnesota has asked for access and the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it has been excluded from federal investigations. Minnesota officials and lawmakers called for the state to be involved, and several federal prosecutors resigned over handling of related matters. The state filed in federal court seeking to end the federal “Operation Metro Surge”; a judge pressed the Department of Justice for responses and expressed concern about the scope and legal basis of the deployment.
Federal personnel changes and White House response
CBS News reported that Customs and Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino was being relieved of command in Minneapolis and that many CBP agents would leave the city. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, was sent to Minneapolis to oversee operations and broader federal efforts, and the president said Homan would report directly to him. That move appeared to reflect the White House’s response to bipartisan outrage after the shooting and to distance the president from aggressive rhetoric by some aides. Some federal officials who publicly labeled Preti an assassin were rebuked by the White House press office, which emphasized the administration’s support for agents but objected to inflammatory claims made before investigations were complete.
Local political reactions
Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke with the president. Republicans in Congress largely blamed Minneapolis leadership; some state Republicans and local GOP figures criticized federal deployment as necessary to restore order. Others, including a Republican gubernatorial candidate, withdrew from races citing federal actions and alleged racial profiling.
Democratic leaders and calls for restraint
Minnesota state Democratic officials and U.S. Democrats condemned federal tactics and rhetoric and demanded accountability and changes in oversight. Representative Zach Stevenson called the attorney general’s letter requesting state information “extortion” and said Minnesota would not comply. Senator Chris Murphy (D‑Conn.) argued that Democrats could not, in good conscience, fund the Department of Homeland Security without reforms to restraint ICE and Border Patrol activities. Murphy described nationwide concerns about “executive branch lawlessness” around immigration enforcement, and supported a standalone debate on DHS funding and specific amendments intended to limit abusive practices. Murphy said he would not accept solely federal agency investigations; states have a right to conduct concurrent probes when state law may have been violated.
Tactical and legal concerns
CBS law enforcement and justice correspondents and local officials described the scene in Minneapolis as tense and chaotic—agents operating amid protests and observers, with federal and local authorities at odds over roles, policing tactics, and custody. Officials noted the importance of joint, transparent investigations and of possible accountability for violations of state law. The legal pushback in federal court considered claims that federal actions exceeded stated missions and possibly sought information and power through leverage rather than legal channels.
Winter storm: travel and outages
The program also covered the major winter storm that dropped historic snow totals across the Northeast and other regions. CBS reporters described deep accumulations, frigid temperatures, risks to gas lines and heating systems, and widespread cancellations—more than 11,000 flights canceled for a single day. Boston crews faced knee‑deep snow and subfreezing wind chills; Oklahoma City and other more southern cities dealt with atypical snow and ongoing road clearance. Forecasts warned of extended cold snaps and continued recovery efforts, with utilities working to keep gas heating lines open; concerns focused on vulnerable infrastructure and the risk of burst pipes and prolonged outages.
Politics and the budget: shutdown risks
The events in Minneapolis injected new tension into congressional funding negotiations. Senate Democrats announced they would block a six‑bill package that included DHS funding because it did not contain reforms to immigration enforcement; they sought a standalone DHS bill amendable on the floor. With a Friday deadline to avert a partial government shutdown, negotiations faced the added pressure of high‑profile public outrage and demands for accountability. Republicans insisted on passing the package as the House had approved it, while Democrats argued for targeted debates and reforms on DHS before funding.
Technology, other headlines, and panel discussion
A CBS News investigation found that the AI tool “Grok” on platform X still allowed problematic image editing that could undress people digitally; British authorities threatened a nationwide ban without stronger guardrails. Florida Representative Maxwell Frost said he was assaulted at the Sundance Film Festival; a suspect was arrested and charged with assault and aggravated battery, with racist remarks alleged by Frost.
Political panel: analysis of reactions
Panelists debated the political implications for the Trump administration and Republicans, noting an apparent White House retreat in the face of bipartisan backlash. Some Republicans were criticized for previously defending aggressive enforcement and rhetoric; some GOP officials privately counseled distancing from inflammatory statements. Democrats highlighted the moral and legal concerns and emphasized legislative checks on DHS, while strategists predicted the episode would become a sustained political issue.
What’s next
Minneapolis faces an ongoing period of investigation, legal action, and federal‑state negotiations over operations. The departure of some Border Patrol personnel and reassignment of command responsibilities may signal immediate de‑escalation, but questions about oversight, jurisdiction, training, and accountability remain. Congress faces a fast‑approaching funding deadline amid calls from Democrats for DHS reforms and from Republicans to proceed with a package that funds enforcement agencies without the proposed constraints. The region and nation also continue to deal with the winter storm’s aftermath and related infrastructure challenges.
The Takeout concluded with the promise to keep following developments in Minneapolis, the federal investigations, the funding debate in Washington, and ongoing storm recovery efforts.
