Two ICE officers discharged their firearms during the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, as per an initial review by the Department of Homeland Security. The report contradicts early White House statements used to validate the incident. A Customs and Border Protection internal investigation indicated that one Border Patrol agent and one Customs and Border Protection officer fired their CBP-issued weapons at Pretti after an officer repeatedly shouted about a gun. The report did not confirm if both officers’ bullets caused Pretti’s death and did not mention Pretti attacking or showing a firearm, contrary to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s earlier assertions. Video evidence contradicts initial White House claims, showing Pretti unarmed and having a gun removed from his waistband by an officer before the shooting.
A federal judge has instructed the Trump administration to preserve evidence following the death of Pretti, as Minnesota state investigators were denied access to the scene. The review was based on documents and body camera footage from officers involved in the incident, which occurred during enforcement actions in Minneapolis under Operation Metro Surge. This operation, part of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, involved a significant deployment of federal agents to Minnesota targeting migrant communities and suspected local corruption.
The operation faced opposition and protests locally, escalating after another fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer earlier in the month. Officers engaged with civilians in the area, resulting in a confrontation that led to Pretti’s resistance and subsequent struggle with CBP personnel. Despite officers shouting about a gun and firing, Pretti was provided first aid before being pronounced dead at a medical center.
Statements from Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller clarified that the initial claims about Pretti’s intentions were based on reports from CBP staff present at the scene. He mentioned that guidance was given to officers regarding the use of additional personnel in Minnesota. Criticism arose, including from within the Republican Party, following Miller’s comments.