The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, a move confirmed by the US deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche. The DOJ characterized this as a typical procedure in events involving the FBI during such circumstances.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the FBI will lead the investigation into Pretti's shooting, supported by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. This incident occurred shortly after Renee Good was also shot dead by federal officers in Minneapolis, intensifying scrutiny on law enforcement operations in the area.
Blanche emphasized that the investigation aims to clarify the events surrounding Pretti's death. The agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. Preliminary reports indicated that two officers fired at Pretti during a confrontation, where initial claims suggested he had brandished a firearm.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen, was known to participate in protests against federal enforcement in response to Good's earlier shooting. The public outcry following both deaths has prompted renewed demonstrations and widespread calls for action against federal immigration practices in the state.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have urged federal officials to withdraw from the state's capital, reinforcing a pushback against current enforcement strategies, including the Operation Metro Surge initiative deploying 3,000 officers. President Trump has acknowledged the situation, indicating a potential de-escalation of federal forces if local officials engage cooperatively.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the FBI will lead the investigation into Pretti's shooting, supported by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. This incident occurred shortly after Renee Good was also shot dead by federal officers in Minneapolis, intensifying scrutiny on law enforcement operations in the area.
Blanche emphasized that the investigation aims to clarify the events surrounding Pretti's death. The agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. Preliminary reports indicated that two officers fired at Pretti during a confrontation, where initial claims suggested he had brandished a firearm.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen, was known to participate in protests against federal enforcement in response to Good's earlier shooting. The public outcry following both deaths has prompted renewed demonstrations and widespread calls for action against federal immigration practices in the state.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have urged federal officials to withdraw from the state's capital, reinforcing a pushback against current enforcement strategies, including the Operation Metro Surge initiative deploying 3,000 officers. President Trump has acknowledged the situation, indicating a potential de-escalation of federal forces if local officials engage cooperatively.
