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Federal Investigations Into Fatal Shootings in Minnesota Raise Concerns About Accountability
Federal authorities are facing mounting scrutiny over their handling of investigations into two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota, with critics alleging that the government is using administrative reviews to avoid meaningful accountability.
Recent declarations from federal law enforcement officials reveal that the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection agents is limited to an administrative review of whether officers violated CBP’s internal policies, not a criminal probe under civil rights laws. Similarly, the Department of Justice has opted not to open a civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death, mirroring their approach to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
In a troubling development, sources confirm that while CBP will investigate whether its officers followed agency protocol in the Pretti shooting, Homeland Security Investigations is focused on determining “whether Pretti broke any laws” rather than examining the officers’ use of deadly force.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the situation as “moral injury,” noting that federal authorities still have “an active federal investigation into the wife of Renee Good,” which he characterized as “demented.”
Reports also indicate that federal agencies have refused to share evidence with Minnesota law enforcement, further complicating local efforts to investigate the shootings.
The Trump administration has consistently cited ongoing investigations to deflect questions about these incidents. However, critics argue this represents a calculated strategy to avoid immediate accountability. As Eliot Higgins, founder of investigative journalism site Bellingcat, noted: “This is an authoritarian playbook trick… say everyone needs to wait for the official investigation then either fix it or attack it when it’s completed.”
This pattern extends beyond the Minnesota incidents. The Washington Post reports that in all 16 incidents since July where DHS officers have discharged their weapons, the administration has publicly declared their actions justified before investigations concluded.
The Pretti case has gained additional significance following a CNN report that about a week before his death, Pretti suffered a broken rib when federal officers tackled him during a protest of a detention operation. A source familiar with the incident told CNN that Pretti “thought he was going to die” during that encounter.
In response to these controversies, nine state prosecutors from major urban centers have launched the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach (FAFO) to assist in prosecuting federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws.
The tensions in Minnesota reflect broader national concerns about immigration enforcement. Ecuador filed a diplomatic protest after an ICE agent attempted to enter their Minneapolis consulate without permission. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Minnesota threatened contempt proceedings against the acting ICE director over non-compliance with a court order, prompting the release of a detained individual.
The administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has sparked international concern as well. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sought to reassure his countrymen about ICE’s involvement in security for next month’s Winter Olympics in Italy, stating: “It’s not like the SS are coming.”
In a separate incident highlighting escalating tensions in Minnesota, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was assaulted during a town hall when a man sprayed her with an unknown substance. The suspect, Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested, while Omar continued her appearance, telling the crowd: “These fucking assholes are not going to get away with this.”
When asked about the attack on Omar, President Trump responded, “I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud. I really don’t think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”
As federal operations in Minnesota continue to draw criticism, questions about transparency, accountability, and the proper role of federal law enforcement in local communities remain at the forefront of the national debate.
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6 Comments
This situation highlights the need for greater independent oversight and transparency when it comes to federal law enforcement’s use of deadly force. Limiting the scope of these investigations raises red flags and erodes confidence in the system.
This raises serious questions about how the federal government investigates these incidents. Focusing on whether the victims broke laws, rather than the officers’ actions, seems like an attempt to shift the narrative. There needs to be an impartial, thorough examination of the use of force.
I’m concerned that the federal government appears to be downplaying the seriousness of these incidents and avoiding a comprehensive investigation. Proper accountability and transparency are essential when it comes to the use of deadly force by law enforcement.
While I understand the complexities involved, the apparent lack of a comprehensive criminal investigation is very concerning. Protecting the rights and lives of all citizens should be the top priority, not just reviewing internal policies. The public deserves answers and accountability.
The decision to limit the investigations to administrative reviews is deeply troubling. These shootings deserve a rigorous criminal civil rights probe to determine if excessive force was used and whether protocols were followed. Anything less undermines public trust in the process.
Concerning to hear about the lack of a criminal probe into these fatal shootings. Proper accountability and transparency are crucial when federal agents use deadly force. I hope the investigations can get to the bottom of what happened and ensure appropriate actions are taken.