The recent shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has sparked an unusual split among top Republicans, with some openly criticizing both ICE and Border Patrol actions.
While President Trump and his administration have largely defended federal law enforcement, several GOP leaders are questioning the role of agents in volatile urban settings.
Kentucky Congressman James Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, went as far as suggesting that federal agents might need to withdraw from Minneapolis entirely.
He highlighted the repeated risks posed in confrontations between officers and civilians, which have sometimes ended in fatalities.
The Fatal Incident That Sparked Debate
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot while filming Border Patrol agents on Saturday.
His death follows the recent killing of protester Renee Nicole Good by ICE, intensifying scrutiny of federal operations in Minneapolis.
Speaking to Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures, Comer said, “If I were Trump, I would almost think…there’s a chance of losing more innocent lives, then maybe go to another city and let the people of Minneapolis decide.”
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy also condemned Pretti’s death on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “incredibly disturbing.”
He emphasized the importance of a thorough joint federal and state investigation, noting, “The credibility of ICE and DHS is at stake,” and added, “We can trust the American people with the truth.”
Other Republican Voices Weigh In
Washington State Congressman Michael Baumgartner expressed his concern over the footage from Minneapolis, while New York Congressman Andrew Garbarino, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, reiterated calls for DHS and ICE officials to testify before Congress.
Garbarino stressed that these hearings are crucial to ensuring both law enforcement and community safety.
Trump Administration Divided on Details
Even within the Trump administration, opinions differ.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche admitted on NBC’s Meet the Press that it remains unclear whether Pretti was disarmed before the shooting.
Meanwhile, Border Patrol leader Greg Bovino told CNN that Pretti was interfering with law enforcement and suggested that his presence with a loaded weapon posed a threat.
CNN host Dana Bash challenged Bovino, pointing out that video evidence shows Pretti helping another individual rather than threatening officers.
Bovino countered by asserting that Second Amendment protections don’t apply when someone allegedly obstructs law enforcement or brings a weapon into a chaotic situation.
He also said he personally supports armed protest as long as it doesn’t impede officers’ duties.
FBI and Media Reactions
FBI Director Kash Patel seemed to contradict Bovino, telling Fox News that bringing a loaded firearm to a protest is illegal, emphasizing, “You don’t have a right to break the law.”
Local Minneapolis law enforcement confirmed that Pretti was carrying the firearm legally.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly weighed in, warning against obstructing law enforcement, noting the risks it poses not only to civilians but to officers on the scene.
Congressional Concerns and the Government Shutdown Threat
The dispute over Pretti’s death comes as congressional Republicans push for greater accountability from ICE and Border Patrol.
These debates unfold alongside looming federal budget issues, with a potential government shutdown at the end of January if the Senate fails to pass a new funding package.
Because Republicans hold only 53 seats in the Senate, any spending bills require at least some Democratic support to reach the 60-vote threshold.
As the political standoff continues, Pretti’s death has become a focal point in a broader conversation about law enforcement oversight and public safety.
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