 says two agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen, have been placed on administrative leave as federal investigations continue.){kind=link}
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says two agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen, have been placed on administrative leave as federal investigations continue.
Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was killed during an encounter with border agents on Saturday, sparking protests in Minnesota and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations in U.S. cities.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
According to a preliminary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report sent to Congress, agents fired their weapons during a physical struggle after one officer shouted that Pretti had a gun. Initial statements from Trump administration officials had claimed Pretti was brandishing a firearm.
However, video reviewed by BBC Verify showed no visible weapon in Pretti’s hands at the time of the shooting.
CBP said Tuesday the agents were placed on leave under standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, though it remains unclear when the decision was made or how long they will remain off duty.
Federal Operations Under Fire
The shooting occurred amid Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale DHS enforcement effort launched in Minneapolis in December. DHS says more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested as part of the operation, including individuals accused of violent crimes and gang activity.
The operation has drawn widespread protests and legal challenges, particularly in Democratic-led cities.
Escalating Political Tensions
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reiterated this week that the city would not change its sanctuary policies, saying Minneapolis “does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws.” President Donald Trump responded sharply on social media, warning the mayor was “playing with fire.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that federal authorities have arrested 16 people in Minneapolis accused of assaulting federal officers during recent unrest, adding that more arrests are expected.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for accountability following Pretti’s death. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially accused Pretti of “domestic terrorism,” a claim that has since come under heavy criticism.
Senior House Democrats warned Wednesday that impeachment proceedings could begin unless Noem resigns or is removed. Members of both parties are also discussing withholding DHS funding in upcoming spending legislation.
Court Orders Refugee Releases
In a separate ruling Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the release of refugees arrested during the operation while awaiting permanent residency decisions and directed the government to return refugees transferred out of Minnesota.
Judge John Tunheim wrote that refugees targeted in the operation “are not committing crimes on our streets,” adding that the U.S. has historically been “a haven of individual liberties.”
Investigation Continues
As investigations into Pretti’s death move forward, public pressure continues to mount over the scope and conduct of federal immigration enforcement — and the growing political fallout shows little sign of slowing.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.