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Agents suspended following Minneapolis shooting
Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, the agency confirmed Tuesday. The decision follows standard protocol for federal law enforcement officers after a shooting incident.
Conflicting accounts emerge
A preliminary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report to Congress stated that the agents fired their weapons during a struggle with Pretti, after an officer shouted that Pretti had a gun. This contradicts earlier claims from the Trump administration that Pretti had brandished a firearm. BBC Verify found no evidence of a gun in Pretti's hand in available video footage.
CBP Commander Gregory Bovino initially told reporters Sunday that the agents remained on duty but were reassigned to another city. The agency later clarified that both officers had been taken off active duty.
Political fallout intensifies
Pretti's death has sparked protests in Minnesota and nationwide outcry, with lawmakers from both parties demanding the removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. House Democrats threatened Wednesday to begin impeachment proceedings against Noem unless she resigns or is fired.
Republican and Democratic representatives are also discussing cuts to DHS funding in upcoming spending legislation needed to prevent a government shutdown on February 1.
"Every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket."
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
Tensions escalate in Minneapolis
President Donald Trump exchanged heated remarks with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey this week after Frey reaffirmed the city's sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Frey's statement "a very serious violation of the Law."
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday that the Justice Department had arrested 16 Minnesota residents for allegedly assaulting federal officers during recent unrest. She indicated more arrests were expected.
Federal judge intervenes in immigration arrests
A federal judge ordered Wednesday that all refugees detained by immigration agents while awaiting permanent residency documents be released and returned to Minnesota. Judge John Tunheim ruled that the refugees "are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border."
DHS reported arresting over 3,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge, including violent offenders and gang members. The operation has faced legal challenges and protests in other Democratic-led cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
Second Minneapolis shooting under scrutiny
The agent involved in the January 7 shooting of another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, has also been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Newly released footage shows an altercation between Pretti and federal officers 11 days before his death.
