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By Aliss Higham
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Several Republicans have called for an investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, an American citizen killed by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Public outrage in Minnesota has intensified after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer killed Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, during a day of protests. As with the January 7 death of Renée Nicole Good, another U.S. citizen killed by an ICE agent, the Trump administration has portrayed the shooting as self-defense, saying Pretti confronted officers while armed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said Pretti moved toward officers while carrying a gun and became aggressive when they attempted to take it away, prompting the agent to fire what she described as defensive rounds.
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Pretti is confirmed to have had a firearm on his person at the time of his death. Bystander footage from the incident shows several officers pushing Pretti to the ground. One officer then removes a handgun from Pretti's waistband and steps away from the struggle. About a second later, a shot is fired. Although Pretti legally owned the weapon, the footage does not show him holding it.
The killing has sparked calls from across the political spectrum for a joint state and federal investigation.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email outside regular working hours.
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Republicans Calling for Investigations
Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania wrote on social media: "As I have often said, I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws. Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota's politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others—we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts. We must enforce our laws in a way that protects the public while maintaining its trust. This gives our law enforcement officers the best chance to succeed in their difficult mission."
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska wrote: "The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking. The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission. Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American—especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed. A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties."
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana wrote: "The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth."
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina wrote: "There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday's Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting. For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump's legacy."
Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska wrote: "The nation witnessed a horrifying situation this weekend. My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti. My support for funding ICE remains the same. Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer. It also protects our national security. But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident."
Trump Administration Response
Gregory Bovino, the commander-at-large of U.S. Border Patrol, defended the actions of ICE agents while speaking to CNN's Dana Bash, referring to Pretti as a suspect who "injected himself into a law enforcement action" attempting to detain an "illegal alien that was nearby."
He previously said Pretti intended to "massacre law enforcement" agents and do "maximum damage."
FBI Director Kash Patel said while speaking to Maria Bartiromo on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures: "You cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines, to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple. You don't have that right to break the law and incite violence."
"I don't like any shooting. I don't like it," President Donald Trump said on Sunday. "But I don't like it when somebody goes into a protest and he's got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn't play good either."
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