The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, according to US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Blanche deemed the DOJ's action a standard investigative procedure by the FBI under these circumstances. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that the FBI will lead the investigation into Pretti’s shooting in Minneapolis, supported by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. Pretti's death follows the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by federal officers, catalyzing protests in the region.
We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day, Blanche said at a news conference, indicating that the investigations might involve civil rights lawyers. Previously, the Homeland Security Investigations branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been leading the inquiry.
Two federal agents involved in Pretti's shooting have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation proceeds, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A preliminary DHS report notes that two officers discharged their firearms during a confrontation with Pretti, who was reportedly engaged in protests following Good's death.
The incidents have ignited further demonstrations and public outrage across the United States, demanding accountability and changes in federal enforcement policies. Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have called for the complete withdrawal of federal agents from the capital region. They have also requested a federal judge to halt Operation Metro Surge, a DHS initiative that involves 3,000 officers for immigration enforcement.
In response to the turmoil, President Donald Trump has suggested de-escalation in Minnesota, stating intentions to re-evaluate federal presence if local leaders cooperate.
Blanche deemed the DOJ's action a standard investigative procedure by the FBI under these circumstances. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that the FBI will lead the investigation into Pretti’s shooting in Minneapolis, supported by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. Pretti's death follows the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by federal officers, catalyzing protests in the region.
We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day, Blanche said at a news conference, indicating that the investigations might involve civil rights lawyers. Previously, the Homeland Security Investigations branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been leading the inquiry.
Two federal agents involved in Pretti's shooting have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation proceeds, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A preliminary DHS report notes that two officers discharged their firearms during a confrontation with Pretti, who was reportedly engaged in protests following Good's death.
The incidents have ignited further demonstrations and public outrage across the United States, demanding accountability and changes in federal enforcement policies. Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have called for the complete withdrawal of federal agents from the capital region. They have also requested a federal judge to halt Operation Metro Surge, a DHS initiative that involves 3,000 officers for immigration enforcement.
In response to the turmoil, President Donald Trump has suggested de-escalation in Minnesota, stating intentions to re-evaluate federal presence if local leaders cooperate.
