(Photo by EPA/BBC)
A growing number of Republican lawmakers are publicly criticizing President Donald Trump and federal law enforcement agencies following the shooting death of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti, an incident that has sparked outrage and renewed debate over the conduct of federal agents.
Pretti, an ICU nurse who was active in recent protests, was killed by border patrol agents in Minneapolis. The Trump administration has described him as a “domestic terrorist” who intended to “massacre” federal agents. However, widely circulated video footage has raised serious questions about that narrative.
The footage appears to show that Pretti, who legally carried a concealed weapon, had already been disarmed and was being restrained when agents fired 10 shots. The killing has prompted rare and increasingly blunt criticism from within Trump’s own party.
The post continued:
At best, these federal immigration operations are a complete failure of coordination of acceptable public safety and law enforcement practices, training, and leadership.
At worst, it’s a deliberate federal intimidation and incitement of American citizens that’s resulting in the murder of Americans. Again, enough is enough.
The president should pause these operations, de-escalate the situation, and reset the federal government’s focus on truly criminal illegal immigrants. In the absence of presidential action, Congress and the courts must step up to restore constitutionality.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott was among the most outspoken. He posted a strongly worded message on X, writing in all caps, “Enough…It’s not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God-given and constitutional rights to protest their government.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also issued a detailed statement expressing concern about both the incident itself and its potential impact on public trust in federal agencies. “The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking,” she wrote.
“The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents 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 went further, calling for accountability and oversight. “Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” she wrote.
“A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”
Other Republican senators have echoed the call for transparency, even as they maintain broader support for immigration enforcement. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said in a post on X that he continues to support funding ICE but expects a “transparent investigation” into Pretti’s death.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana similarly called for a joint federal and state investigation, warning that the “credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.” The criticism has extended beyond the Senate.
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Representative James Comer of Kentucky suggested that the administration should consider removing ICE officials from Minneapolis if there is a “chance of losing more…innocent lives.”
His comment reflected growing concern that the current approach could lead to further bloodshed. While Trump has not signalled any shift in his stance, reactions within his own party highlight a deepening divide over law enforcement tactics, civil liberties, and accountability.
For many Republicans now speaking out, the death of Alex Pretti has become more than a single tragic incident. It has become a test of whether the party is willing to confront difficult questions about power, oversight, and the rights of American citizens.
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