FBI withholds evidence in investigation of Minneapolis federal agent shootings
MINNEAPOLIS, MN: The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced on Monday, February 16, that the FBI has declined to provide state investigators with evidence related to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The agency said the FBI formally notified state officials on February 13 that it would not release information, records, or evidence collected in connection with the January 24 shooting death of Pretti by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents.
The refusal comes amid intensifying scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities. The BCA, which investigates officer-involved shootings at the state level, described the FBI’s position as “concerning and unprecedented.” Despite the setback, state officials said their independent inquiry will continue.
BCA condemns unprecedented lack of cooperation
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) stated that the decision indicates a significant breakdown in coordination between federal and state law enforcement agencies. Investigators have repeatedly sought evidence related to three separate shootings involving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, including the death of Renee Good on January 7 and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis on January 14. As of Monday, the FBI had not clarified whether it intends to release materials connected to these incidents.
“While this lack of cooperation is concerning and unprecedented, the BCA is committed to thorough, independent and transparent investigations of these incidents,” the agency stated. Officials acknowledged their review is being limited by the absence of access to federal evidence, including materials gathered at the scenes.
State investigators pursue all legal avenues
In response, the BCA said it is pursuing “all legal avenues” to obtain the relevant evidence. The agency indicated it remains open to conducting a joint investigation should the FBI or Department of Justice reconsider its position. For now, state investigators must proceed without federal files or ballistics data.
The bureau also offered to share any independently gathered information with federal authorities in an effort to encourage cooperation. Minnesota officials emphasized that the investigation will continue despite the impasse, marking a rare public dispute between state criminal investigators and federal law enforcement.
Public appeal for shooting witness information
The BCA is directly appealing to the public for assistance since federal evidence is currently unavailable. Officials are urging anyone with information about the shootings of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, or Julio Sosa-Celis to contact investigators. A dedicated tip line and email address have been set up to gather witness accounts and video evidence.
Investigators are specifically seeking footage or testimony that may clarify or contradict statements made by DHS agents involved in the case. The agency emphasized that the investigation will proceed regardless of federal involvement.
DHS agent actions under intense scrutiny
The shootings occurred amid a broader federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota that has drawn intense scrutiny and protests after multiple fatal encounters involving federal agents, including the death of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti during a January 24 operation. Federal authorities’ refusal to share evidence with state investigators has further fueled questions about oversight and accountability in the response to these incidents.
