Anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which stated he “violently resisted” when agents attempted to disarm him. This incident marks the second fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator in Minnesota this month.
Administration officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and top adviser Stephen Miller, have branded Pretti a “would-be assassin” who committed acts of “domestic terrorism.” The shooting follows weeks of mob violence, theft, and property destruction in response to ICE presence in Minneapolis, with these coordinated acts indiscriminately targeting federal agents conducting lawful operations.
Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska condemned the incident: “The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking. The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission.” Murkowski added that lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American “especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, independent investigation.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina warned that officials rushing to judgment could damage President Donald Trump’s legacy: “There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday’s Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting.”
Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska called for transparency while reaffirming his support for ICE funding: “My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti. My support for funding ICE remains the same.” Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania noted that Pretti was lawfully exercising his right to carry a firearm, urging a full investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma defended federal authority: “Law-abiding citizens have every right to carry a firearm. You DO NOT have a right to obstruct law enforcement activity, or commit another felony with one.”
