Republican lawmakers demand impartial probe into Minnesota shooting of Alex Pretti

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: A growing bloc of Republican lawmakers is calling for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24.

As new details surface, senior GOP figures are urging restraint, transparency, and a full accounting of the facts, warning against any effort to pre-judge the outcome.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) wrote on X on Sunday that the inquiry needs to be “thorough and impartial,” describing that standard as “what law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting.”

Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, cautioned administration officials against shaping the narrative before investigators complete their work.

“Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy,” he said.

Senators demand impartial investigation

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La) echoed that call, labeling the incident as “incredibly disturbing.”

“There must be a full joint federal and state investigation,” Cassidy wrote on X. "We can trust the American people with the truth."

Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb) struck a similar balance between enforcement and civil liberties. “Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer,” Ricketts posted.

“But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble.” He said he expects a “prioritized, transparent investigation” into Pretti’s death.

Questions raised on training standards

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) went further, suggesting that the shooting raised broader institutional concerns.

She wrote that the episode “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 called for congressional committees to examine the matter.

The controversy centers on the death of Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti assaulted agents and posed a lethal threat.

Video footage circulating online, however, reportedly showed that Pretti was filming officers when they pushed a woman. He then moved to assist her. Later, he appeared to have been surrounded and disarmed of his legally carried firearm before an agent fired multiple rounds.

State officials blocked from scene

The push for a joint probe came as Minnesota officials alleged federal obstruction.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), said that the Department of Homeland Security had taken control of the case and barred state investigators from participating.

Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed during a Sunday press conference that BCA agents, despite securing a judicial search warrant, were denied access to the scene by federal officers.

Late Saturday, a federal judge ordered DHS not to “destroy or alter” any evidence tied to the shooting.

Committee chair summons agency heads

In the House, Homeland Security Committee Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) formally requested testimony from CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow.

“I take my oversight duties seriously,” Garbarino said, stressing the need to protect both officers and civilians.

Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas) added that he was “troubled by the events that have unfolded,” saying a full investigation was essential to “maintain Americans’ confidence in our justice system.”