Two ICE officers discharged their firearms in the incident that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, as per an initial review by the Department of Homeland Security. This review contradicts early statements from the White House that were used to justify the shooting. The report, conducted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has been shared with congressional committees.
According to the document, one officer repeatedly warned of a gun before two officers fired their weapons at Pretti. The report does not confirm if both officers’ bullets caused Pretti’s death and does not mention any attack or display of a firearm by Pretti, contrary to claims made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Video evidence shows Pretti unarmed and surrounded by agents before being shot. One video captures an officer retrieving a gun from Pretti before the shooting. The report indicates that a Border Patrol agent confirmed possessing Pretti’s gun, which was secured in a vehicle.
In response to the incident, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve evidence. The review is based on documents and body camera footage and reveals that federal agents were carrying out enforcement actions in Minneapolis under Operation Metro Surge.
Operation Metro Surge involves deploying approximately 3,000 federal officers to Minnesota, surpassing the local police force. The operation, part of Donald Trump’s immigration strategy, targets migrant communities and alleged local corruption.
Local opposition and protests have intensified following another fatal shooting earlier. Renee Good was fatally shot by an immigration officer while in her car on January 7. The report details civilians’ presence during the incident, with officers issuing commands before an altercation ensued with Pretti.
During the struggle, officers shouted about a gun, leading to shots being fired. Medical aid was provided after the shooting, but Pretti was pronounced dead at a medical center. Statements from Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller and a DHS spokesperson address the initial claims made by CBP staff and the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Miller’s remarks have faced backlash, including criticism from within the Republican Party.