Two ICE officers discharged their firearms in the fatal shooting incident involving Alex Pretti, as stated in a preliminary review by the Department of Homeland Security. This review contradicts initial claims made by the White House to justify the shooting. A report from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revealed that an officer yelled “He’s got a gun” before two officers fired at Pretti. The report does not confirm which officer’s shot was fatal.
Contrary to early statements by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the report does not mention any aggression or armed behavior from Pretti. Video evidence contradicts initial claims, showing Pretti unarmed as officers surrounded him, with one officer removing a gun from his possession before the shooting occurred.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve evidence following the shooting, as state investigators were denied access to the scene. The review, based on documents and body camera footage, details that federal agents were carrying out enforcement actions in Minneapolis under Operation Metro Surge, involving over 3,000 officers targeting migrant communities and local corruption.
The operation, part of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, has faced strong local opposition and protests, especially after the recent shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer. The report describes a confrontation with civilians before Pretti’s struggle with CBP personnel, leading to the fatal shooting. Despite initial claims suggesting Pretti posed a threat, further investigation is ongoing to determine the sequence of events accurately.
Statements made by Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller and a DHS spokesperson highlighted the chaotic nature of the incident and ongoing investigations to uncover the truth. Miller’s remarks drew criticism, even within the Republican Party, for the handling of the situation.
