First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday called for unity in Minneapolis and urged demonstrators protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity to remain peaceful as tensions continue to rise in the city, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
“We need to unify. I’m calling for unity,” Trump, 55, said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.”
Her remarks came amid ongoing unrest in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents, an incident that has fueled protests and clashes in Minneapolis.
The First Lady spoke one day after President Donald Trump said he had held “very good” calls with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as federal, state, and local officials work to contain escalating violence.
“I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,” Melania Trump said during the interview. “I’m against the violence.”
She reiterated her appeal directly to demonstrators, saying, “Please, if we protest, protest in peace, and we need to unify in these times.”
Melania Trump dropping a powerful call for UNITY amid the chaos in Minnesota and across the country!
While leftist mobs try to tear everything apart, terrorizing federal agents and turning streets into war zones… our First Lady steps up with grace!pic.twitter.com/a3t7DMn5hs [2]
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 27, 2026 [3]
The comments marked a public appeal for calm following several days of heightened unrest tied to federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.
The protests intensified after Pretti’s death, which was the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in the state this month, according to public statements from officials.
President Trump addressed the situation on Monday, signaling a shift toward a more conciliatory tone with Minnesota’s Democratic leadership after facing criticism over the federal response.
He confirmed that discussions with Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey focused on restoring order and preventing further violence in Minneapolis.
As part of the administration’s response, President Trump also announced changes in federal oversight of the situation.
He said Border Czar Tom Homan was traveling [4] to Minnesota to take charge of the federal response, replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
