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By Jesus Mesa
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Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah said that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem damaged public confidence by responding prematurely to a fatal shooting involving a Border Patrol officer in Minnesota.
In a statement on X, Curtis said officials who rush to conclusions before all the facts are known “undermine public trust and the law-enforcement mission,” distancing himself from Noem’s early Department of Homeland Security response to the incident.
“I disagree with Secretary Noem’s premature DHS response, which came before all the facts were known and weakened confidence,” Curtis posted.
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Curtis called for a transparent, independent investigation and stressed that accountability must apply regardless of rank or title. He said Noem’s initial characterization of the shooting came before investigators had established a complete factual record and weakened confidence at a critical moment.
Why It Matters
Curtis’s remarks break with party leadership, placing him among a small number of Republicans publicly questioning the administration’s handling of Alex Pretti’s death as scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement intensifies.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, was shot and killed during a protest Saturday in Minneapolis. After video of the incident circulated online, Noem said Pretti approached Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm handgun. Videos verified by multiple outlets, however, show him holding only a phone, contradicting that account.
What to Know
The Utah senator said he is working with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to demand stronger congressional oversight, including testimony from senior officials involved in the operation. He also said he supports calls from Senator Rand Paul for leaders overseeing the enforcement action to appear before Congress.
"I will be working with a bipartisan group of senators to demand real oversight and transparency, including supporting calls from @RandPaul for leaders of these operations to testify, so trust can be restored and justice served," he posted.
Curtis’s comments represent a notable break from party leadership messaging and make him one of the few Republicans publicly criticizing the administration’s handling of the case as scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement grows.
On the other side of the aisle, calls to impeach Noem have grown, with Democrats accusing her of misleading the public and prejudging the investigation. On Monday, Senator Jacky Rosen, from Nevada, said Noem attempted to “mislead the American public” about the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old protester in Minneapolis.
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Rosen’s statement follows that of Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, who is one of the more left-leaning members of the Senate Democratic caucus. Markey said last week that Congress should begin impeachment proceedings against Noem, “who is right now actually orchestrating on the streets of our country this almost vigilantism on the part of ICE agents terrorizing cities all across the country.”
And while other senators stopped short of calling for Noem's impeachment, several moderate Democrats who joined Rosen in voting to reopen the government last year said they would vote against Homeland Security funding this week even if it meant a government shutdown.
What People Are Saying
Senator Jacky Rosen, a moderate from Nevada, said in a statement to The Associated Press: “Kristi Noem has been an abject failure leading the Department of Homeland Security for the last year — and the abuses of power we’re seeing from ICE are the latest proof that she has lost control over her own department and staff.”
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday: "I am sending [border czar] Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He 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. 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.
"Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at 'Congresswoman' Ilhan 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! President DJT."
What Happens Next
The shooting remains under investigation. Noem said on Sunday that her office would lead the federal investigation into the shooting. Minnesota officials have said the state will conduct its own investigation. Walz has said the state must lead the investigation.
Update 1/26/26, 06:24 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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