Republicans Challenge Federal Immigration Tactics Following Fatal Shooting in Minnesota

Mon Jan 26 2026 06:04:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent shooting of a protester by federal immigration officials in Minnesota has sparked concern among Republican leaders, who are calling for accountability and a review of tactics used by ICE and Border Patrol.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a protest against immigration policies has caused unease among some Republican leaders, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who expressed concerns over federal tactics. Senators Thom Tillis and Bill Cassidy also commented on the incident, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations while some administration officials defended the tactics, attributing chaos to the local Democratic leadership.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A handful of Republicans expressed growing concern Sunday about the tactics that federal immigration officials are using in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a man in Minneapolis.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt asserted that the killing on Saturday of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who protested President Trump’s immigration crackdown, was a “real tragedy.” Notably, Pretti was a U.S. citizen, born in Illinois.

“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt communicated during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He noted that “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”

When asked if he thought the president should consider withdrawing immigration agents from Minnesota, Stitt remarked that it was a question Trump himself needed to address, stating, “He’s getting bad advice right now.”

The governor went on to stress that the president must convey the solution and “endgame” to the American public, advocating for calm amid escalating tensions. “Right now, tempers are just going crazy and we need to calm this down,” Stitt urged.

Other Republican figures, including Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, also voiced unease regarding the incident, with Cassidy deeming the shooting “incredibly disturbing” and emphasizing that the “credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.” Tillis echoed the sentiment, calling for a “thorough and impartial investigation.”

“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 remarked.

Despite the concerns raised by some Republicans, administration officials defended the aggressive immigration tactics. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “It’s a tragedy when anyone dies,” attributing the chaos to local Democratic leaders in Minnesota for “fomenting” discord.

Bessent further commented on ABC’s “This Week” that “there are a lot of paid agitators who are ginning things up,” while criticizing the governor for not adequately managing the situation.