"A terrible miscalculation:" Officials' response to fatal Minneapolis shooting causes anger among some at DHS

January 26, 2026

TL;DR

Trump administration officials issued strong, categorical statements about the fatal shooting of Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent before a full investigation was completed.
Statements from DHS and White House officials, including claims of Pretti being a "would-be assassin" intending to "massacre" agents, have been contradicted by video evidence and witness accounts.
Internal frustration exists within DHS, with sources expressing concern about self-inflicted reputational harm and loss of credibility due to premature and unsubstantiated strong language.
The investigation into Pretti's shooting is being led by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations, a move described as unusual by current and former agency officials.
Minnesota state officials report being blocked from accessing evidence needed for their investigation into the shooting.
Public opinion on Trump's deportation efforts has shifted, with support falling and a majority believing immigration agents are "too tough."
A previous incident involving the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer also saw premature accusations made by Trump administration officials.
Videos of Pretti's shooting do not show him holding a gun before he was shot, and he was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
Border Patrol agents feel caught in the middle of politicization, facing criticism from both conservatives and liberals, and worry about the impact of harmful rhetoric on their work.

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