Some Republicans express concern over the tactics used in Minnesota and urge shooting investigation

Republicans Express Concern Over Fatal Border Patrol Shooting in Minneapolis

Several Republican lawmakers voiced growing unease Sunday about tactics used by federal immigration officials in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a U.S. citizen during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who had been protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, was killed Saturday. Pretti, born in Illinois, was participating in demonstrations against recent immigration enforcement actions when the shooting occurred.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt called the incident a “real tragedy” during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” reflecting a rare break from party ranks on the administration’s immigration enforcement approach.

“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt said. “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”

When pressed about whether President Trump should withdraw federal immigration agents from Minnesota, Stitt stopped short of making that recommendation but suggested the president was receiving poor counsel on the matter.

“He’s getting bad advice right now,” the Republican governor stated, adding that Trump needs to clearly articulate his strategy and “endgame” to the American public. Stitt emphasized the need for substantive solutions rather than politicization of the situation, noting that “right now, tempers are just going crazy and we need to calm this down.”

Other prominent Republicans joined in expressing concern. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina cautioned against rushing to conclusions before a complete investigation takes place.

“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,” Tillis wrote in a social media post.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy described the shooting as “incredibly disturbing” and warned that “the credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake,” referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of the Border Patrol.

The shooting comes amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement nationwide. President Trump has made strict border control and deportation policies centerpieces of his administration, deploying federal agents to several cities in recent months to conduct immigration operations.

Despite the concerns voiced by some Republican lawmakers, Trump administration officials defended the tactics. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the tragedy but shifted blame to Minnesota’s Democratic leadership.

“It’s a tragedy when anyone dies,” Bessent said during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” before adding that he believed Democratic leaders in Minnesota were “fomenting chaos.” He further claimed that “there are a lot of paid agitators who are ginning things up and the governor has not done a good job of tamping this down.”

The incident has reignited debate about federal jurisdiction and oversight of immigration enforcement operations, particularly in cities where local officials have been critical of Trump’s immigration policies.

Immigration rights advocates have called for an independent investigation into the shooting, while community organizers in Minneapolis have planned additional protests in response to Pretti’s death.

Federal officials have yet to release detailed information about the circumstances of the shooting, stating only that an investigation is underway. The Border Patrol agent involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to standard procedure.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General is expected to review the incident, though critics have questioned whether internal investigations can be impartial in such politically charged circumstances.