Full Breakdown
Senate Hearing Questions Use of Force in Alex Pretti Shooting
2/13/2026, 8:32:31 AM
Overview of the Incident
The U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on February 12, 2026, to scrutinize the actions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was shot by border agents during an encounter that has drawn significant public attention and criticism regarding immigration enforcement tactics.
Key Events and Testimonies
During the hearing, Senate Chairman Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, presented video footage showing Pretti retreating when he was pepper-sprayed at close range by a border officer. Paul characterized the use of force as "escalatory," emphasizing that Pretti was attempting to distance himself from the officers. He stated, “He is retreating at every moment. He’s trying to get away, and he’s being sprayed in the face.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott acknowledged the need for a thorough investigation into the incident but defended the actions of the officers, claiming Pretti was non-compliant and "fighting back nonstop." This assertion was met with skepticism from Paul and other senators, who questioned whether the officers adhered to proper de-escalation procedures.
Legislative and Public Reactions
The hearing highlighted a growing divide between lawmakers regarding immigration enforcement. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan raised concerns about the deployment of ICE officers to polling stations, referencing President Donald Trump's suggestion to "nationalize" elections. In contrast, Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin attributed the deaths of Pretti and another individual, Renee Good, to the actions of local leaders, specifically criticizing Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for encouraging protests.
Ellison called for a full investigation by the FBI into the incidents, asserting the need for transparency in immigration enforcement. He described the federal presence in Minneapolis as feeling like "occupation," reflecting the heightened tensions between local and federal authorities.
Criticism of Immigration Tactics
Senator Paul expressed dissatisfaction with the training standards of immigration officers compared to local police, stating, “I don’t think they’re living up to the same standard of the police.” His remarks were echoed by other committee members who demanded accountability and reform in immigration enforcement practices.
The hearing also addressed the broader implications of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which have faced declining public support. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for a reassessment of the rules governing the use of force by immigration agents.
Conflicting Reports and Investigations
While the Senate committee called for immediate investigations, Scott and Lyons noted that multiple inquiries were already underway, including those by the FBI and their respective agencies. The lack of clarity regarding the investigations has led to public skepticism about the potential for accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To restore trust in (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Border Patrol, they must admit their mistakes, be honest and forthright with their rules of engagement and pledge to reform.” — Rand Paul, U.S. Senator
- “No one in America believes shoving that woman’s head, in the face, in the snow, was de-escalation,” — Rand Paul, U.S. Senator
- “It felt like we were being occupied by the federal government,” — Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
The Senate hearing reflects a critical moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the use of force, with significant implications for policy and public trust in federal agencies.
