Two federal officers discharged their firearms in the incident resulting in the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, as confirmed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official addressing Congress on Tuesday. The officers attempted to apprehend Pretti, who resisted, leading to a physical altercation, according to information shared with Congress. Amid the struggle, a Border Patrol agent repeatedly shouted, “He’s got a gun!”
The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigators conducted a thorough examination by reviewing body-worn camera footage and agency records, as outlined in the report. By law, the agency is required to notify pertinent congressional committees of deaths in CBP custody within 72 hours.
The notification was issued following U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive for border czar Tom Homan to oversee the administration’s immigration enforcement in Minnesota after Pretti’s death, the second fatal shooting by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis this month. Trump expressed that sending Homan to Minnesota would help “de-escalate” the situation, highlighting Homan’s ability to collaborate with governors and mayors, even in Democratic regions.
As Trump departed the White House, he was questioned about the justification of Pretti’s killing, to which he responded that a significant investigation was ongoing. In the aftermath of Pretti’s death, some administration officials attempted to shift blame onto the 37-year-old nurse, with Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, implying that CBP officers in Minneapolis might not have adhered to protocols. He mentioned that initial reports from CBP influenced the Department of Homeland Security’s statements regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Embassy after ICE agents attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without authorization. A video circulating on social media captured a consulate staff member intervening, stating, “This is the Ecuadorian consulate. You’re not allowed to enter.” An ICE officer can be heard threatening to physically restrain the staffer before agreeing to leave.
Generally, international law prohibits law enforcement from entering foreign consulates or embassies without consent, except in life-threatening emergencies like fires. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs registered a protest with the U.S. Embassy to prevent similar incidents at other consulates, emphasizing the safeguarding of Ecuadorians present and activation of emergency protocols.
The State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not provide immediate responses to requests for comments from The Associated Press.
