Two US Border Patrol officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave, as confirmed by DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. Department of Homeland Security sources disclosed that these agents, whose identities remain undisclosed, have been relieved of field duties and are on paid leave while investigations into the shooting continue. They have also been provided with mental health support as part of standard procedure and, upon returning to work, will be assigned desk roles until the inquiry concludes.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen, was fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24. The incident sparked nationwide protests and raised questions about federal tactics following video evidence suggesting Pretti was subdued before being shot.
President Donald Trump has called for a thorough investigation into the shooting, differing from earlier statements by Homeland Security officials implying Pretti posed a threat. A preliminary government review found no evidence that Pretti had brandished his legally owned handgun before the shooting, contradicting earlier assertions.
The decision to put the officers on administrative leave comes amidst growing public outrage over Pretti’s death and the recent killing of another anti-ICE protester, Renee Good, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in the same city. The ongoing investigation and protests have made Pretti’s death a focal point in the national discourse on federal immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal agents.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi reported on Wednesday that 16 protesters had been arrested in Minnesota for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement officers. Bondi emphasized the commitment to enforcing the law despite resistance and disturbances by individuals impeding federal law enforcement efforts.
For quick access to valued news, select Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.