First Lady Melania Trump Asks for Unity Amid Minneapolis Demonstrations

Local police arrest 26 protesters after local and federal leaders agree to new operation strategies.

First Lady Melania Trump speaks to members of the military at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Nov. 19, 2025. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump called for unity Tuesday following a weekend of anti-government protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that resulted in one citizen fatality and serious injuries to federal agents.

“We need to unify,” the first lady told Fox and Friends. “I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor, and the mayor. They’re working together to make it peaceful. I’m against the violence. We need to unify in these times.”

She urged demonstrators, who have continued to protest against federal immigration operations in Minneapolis, to avoid violence.

“I’m against the riots, so please: If you protest, protest in peace,” the first lady said.

Several developments on Jan. 26 shifted federal immigration operations in Minnesota after a Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, 37, as he was involved an altercation with a federal officer while allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun. The incident is under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The shooting came two weeks after the death of Renee Good, 37, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, who was allegedly hit by Good’s vehicle. DHS said the officer sustained injuries.

The incidents have met with clashing interpretations, with some defending the federal agents’ actions as self-defense and others alleging that they used excessive force.

President Donald Trump said he had “very good” conversations with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in separate phone calls on Monday. He said he expected some federal agents would start leaving the city on Tuesday.

Trump also announced he was sending border czar Tom Homan to the state this week and was expected to meet with Frey, according to the president.

The White House said Trump and Walz agreed on a plan for the state to turn over all detained illegal immigrants arrested by local police, and police will assist federal law enforcement in arresting and detaining illegal immigrants who are wanted for crimes.

Local law enforcement monitored protests outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, Minn., where demonstrators believed Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino was staying.

Police arrested 26 people who allegedly damaged property and threw objects at officers, according to the Maple Grove Police Department.

Many of the people arrested were facing riot charges and remained in custody, according to Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office records.

A man next to a police officer grabs a protester during a demonstration against federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis on Jan. 25, 2026. Adam Gray/AP Photo

In her interview Monday on Fox News, First Lady Melania Trump also shared compassion for people suffering through the winter storm that has affected millions of people across the United States.

“As Americans we need to help each other and come together in these difficult times,” she said. “I send them my strength and love and I’m thinking of them. I hope the weather will get better soon.”