The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, the US deputy attorney general has said. Todd Blanche said he did not want to overstate the move, calling it a standard investigation by the FBI when there are circumstances like what we saw. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the FBI would lead the investigation, with support from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. Pretti's shooting in Minneapolis occurred just weeks after another similar incident involving Renee Good, who was also shot dead by federal officers in the city.
We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day, Blanche told a news conference. He noted that the investigation would engage lawyers from the civil rights division as necessary. Previously, the investigation was overseen by the Homeland Security Investigations branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Two agents involved in Pretti's shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A preliminary report from the DHS indicates that two officers fired at Pretti during a confrontation, contradicting initial reports that suggested Pretti brandished a weapon.
The 37-year-old ICU nurse was known to have participated in protests following Renee Good's death. These incidents have instigated renewed protests nationwide, provoking criticism from both parties among lawmakers.
Local officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have called for federal law enforcement to be withdrawn from the region and have sought legal action against the DHS's Operation Metro Surge, involving approximately 3,000 officers. President Trump has signaled a potential de-escalation of federal presence in Minnesota, contingent upon cooperation from local authorities.
We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day, Blanche told a news conference. He noted that the investigation would engage lawyers from the civil rights division as necessary. Previously, the investigation was overseen by the Homeland Security Investigations branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Two agents involved in Pretti's shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A preliminary report from the DHS indicates that two officers fired at Pretti during a confrontation, contradicting initial reports that suggested Pretti brandished a weapon.
The 37-year-old ICU nurse was known to have participated in protests following Renee Good's death. These incidents have instigated renewed protests nationwide, provoking criticism from both parties among lawmakers.
Local officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have called for federal law enforcement to be withdrawn from the region and have sought legal action against the DHS's Operation Metro Surge, involving approximately 3,000 officers. President Trump has signaled a potential de-escalation of federal presence in Minnesota, contingent upon cooperation from local authorities.
