Republicans are increasingly demanding an investigation into federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota after federal agents shot and killed Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti during an incident that was captured on video.
Footage from Saturday shows the 37-year-old holding his mobile phone and recording Border Patrol activity. Pretti appears to intervene after a female bystander is shoved by a federal agent, at which point several agents deploy pepper spray and force him to the ground.
Video evidence indicates that at least one agent repeatedly shot Pretti after he had been restrained, killing him at the scene and triggering further disorder. The incident has intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement conduct and sparked bipartisan unease.
Republicans Question Federal Immigration Enforcement Tactics in Minnesota
Republican Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt raised concerns about federal accountability during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday.
“This is a real tragedy. I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability. Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now,” Stitt said.
He also questioned the broader objective of immigration enforcement operations. “What is the endgame? What is the solution? And, you know, we believe in federalism and state rights, and nobody likes feds coming into their state,” he added. “And so what’s the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non-U.S. citizen? I don’t think that’s what Americans want.”
In the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s death, Trump administration officials circulated claims that he had “reacted violently” and “brandished” a firearm.
While Pretti was a licensed gun owner with a permit to carry and had a concealed handgun holstered, video footage shows he was not brandishing a weapon. Agents also disarmed Pretti before he was shot.
GOP Lawmakers and NRA Call for Independent Investigation
Republican Senator Thom Tillis was among those calling for a formal inquiry, warning against prejudging the case.
“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,” Tillis wrote on X.
He added: “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.”
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy also expressed alarm, urging a joint federal and state probe. “The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake,” Cassidy posted on X. “There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”
Concerns have extended to conservative gun rights groups. The National Rifle Association called for an inquiry into the use of lethal force, stating: “Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalisations and demonising law-abiding citizens.”
Federal Non-Cooperation and Growing Public Backlash
Local and state officials say the federal government has so far refused to cooperate with any investigation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said on Sunday that he has received no official briefing on Pretti’s death and alleged that federal agents prevented Minnesota investigators from accessing the scene.
The killing comes just weeks after another fatal federal operation in Minneapolis, in which 37-year-old poet and mother Renee Good was killed. Polling now shows that a majority of Americans oppose the tactics currently used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Republican Senator John Kennedy underscored the political risk during an appearance with Bill Maher, saying Trump’s immigration enforcement is “polling right up there with toenail fungus.”
Republican Representative James Comer suggested reconsidering enforcement priorities during an interview on Fox News.
“If I were President Trump, I would almost think about, ‘OK, if the mayor and the governor are gonna put our ICE officials in harm’s way, and there’s a chance at losing more innocent lives,’” Comer said. “Then maybe go to another city and let the people of Minneapolis decide.”
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, speaking at a press conference on Sunday, framed the issue as a national concern that transcends party politics.
“I don’t care if you are conservative and you are flying a Donald Trump flag, you’re a libertarian ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ you’re a Democratic Socialist of America – this is an inflection point, America,” Walz said.
“If we cannot all agree that the smearing of an American citizen and besmirching everything they stood for and asking us not to believe what we saw? I don’t know what else to tell you.”
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