Two ICE officers discharged their firearms during the fatal shooting incident involving Alex Pretti, as revealed in a preliminary review by the Department of Homeland Security. This new information contradicts early statements from the White House that were used to justify the shooting. The initial report from Customs and Border Protection’s internal investigation, conducted by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility, has been shared with congressional committees.
According to the document, one officer repeatedly yelled, “He’s got a gun” before two officers fired their CBP-issued firearms at Pretti approximately five seconds later. There is no mention in the report of Pretti attacking the officers or displaying a weapon, which contradicts claims made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shortly after the incident. Video footage, corroborated by the Mirror, shows Pretti unarmed and surrounded by agents during the altercation. One video captures a federal officer removing a gun from Pretti’s waistband just before the shooting. Subsequently, a Border Patrol agent confirmed having possession of the gun, which was secured in a vehicle.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve evidence following the shooting, as Minnesota investigators were denied access to the scene where Pretti was killed. The review is based on documentation and body-worn camera footage from officers present, indicating that federal agents were conducting enforcement actions in Minneapolis as part of Operation Metro Surge.
Operation Metro Surge involves deploying approximately 3,000 federal officers and agents to Minnesota, surpassing the number of officers in the Minneapolis Police Department. The operation, part of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, targets migrant communities and alleged local corruption. Local opposition and protests against the surge have escalated, especially after another fatal shooting earlier in the month.
On January 7, Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer while seated in her car. The report mentions that civilians in the area were vocal, leading to officers instructing them to stay on pavements. When two women blowing whistles did not comply, an officer intervened, leading to a confrontation. The report states that Pretti resisted arrest, prompting a struggle with CBP personnel.
During the scuffle, an officer shouted about Pretti having a gun, followed by gunfire from two officers. Medical aid was provided to Pretti before he was pronounced dead at a medical center. Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller explained that initial reports claiming Pretti intended to harm law enforcement were based on information from CBP staff. He mentioned that the White House had directed additional personnel to Minnesota for security purposes. The investigation into the incident is ongoing to ascertain the facts.
Miller’s statements received criticism, including from within the Republican Party.