Executive Summary
- GOP lawmakers are demanding an impartial investigation into the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by a Border Patrol agent.
- Senators Thom Tillis and Bill Cassidy questioned the White House’s immediate characterization of the deceased as a “terrorist.”
- The House Homeland Security Committee is seeking testimony from ICE and DHS leadership regarding enforcement tactics.
- The incident has sparked internal debate within the Republican party regarding oversight ahead of the midterm elections.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Republican lawmakers is urging a comprehensive investigation into federal immigration enforcement tactics following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, challenging the immediate narrative presented by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The incident involved the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, who was killed on Saturday. While Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller labeled Pretti an “assassin” and “domestic terrorist” on social media, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated he attempted to “impede a law enforcement operation,” senior Republicans are cautioning against a rush to judgment regarding the events in Minnesota.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called for a “thorough and impartial investigation,” stating in a social media post that officials who attempt to close an inquiry prematurely are doing a “disservice to the nation.” Similarly, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana described the event as “incredibly disturbing,” warning that the credibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is at risk without a full joint federal and state investigation.
In the House of Representatives, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee has requested testimony from leadership at ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) emphasized the congressional responsibility to ensure the safety of law enforcement and the public, stating in a release that he takes oversight of the DHS seriously. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also weighed in during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” describing the shooting as a “real tragedy” and calling for a de-escalation of tensions.
The political fallout comes as the GOP prepares for midterm elections, with President Trump’s approval ratings on immigration reportedly declining since taking office in January 2025. Representative James Comer (R-Ky.) suggested that if local leadership in Minneapolis is unwilling to cooperate with federal agents, operations should perhaps be relocated, noting, “I think the people of Minnesota would rebel against their leadership.”
Congressional Oversight and Political Implications
This emerging friction between congressional Republicans and the White House highlights potential challenges for the administration’s hard-line immigration strategy during a critical election year. The call for transparency from within the President’s own party suggests that federal law enforcement operations may face intensified scrutiny regarding their rules of engagement and coordination with local authorities. As the request for a joint investigation proceeds, the outcome will likely influence future funding and operational protocols for DHS agencies operating in non-cooperative jurisdictions. It is important to note that despite the accusations leveled by administration officials against the deceased, all individuals involved in criminal investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
