CBP Delivers Odd Q&A to Congress Ahead of Mandatory Death Notice
Amid increasing pressure from Congress, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has faced scrutiny regarding the shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Instead of submitting a required report on the incident, CBP provided Congress with a self-generated Q&A document, raising concerns about transparency.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred during an enforcement action on January 24, 2026. CBP personnel, part of Operation Metro Surge, were conducting operations near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street. The agency received criticism for its handling of information surrounding Pretti’s death.
Self-Generated Q&A
- CBP’s self-Q&A included questions about body camera usage and the victim’s immigration status.
- In multiple instances, CBP deferred to other agencies for answers.
One key question was whether CBP agents wore body cameras, to which the response was that the agency would defer to investigating authorities. The report failed to provide clarity on whether Pretti had a final order of removal or the details of the agency’s use of force policies.
Sequence of Events
Eyewitness accounts indicated a confrontation between CBP officers and civilians, including Pretti. After an escalated interaction involving physical restraint and OC spray deployment, a struggle ensued, culminating in the firing of shots at Pretti. He was pronounced dead shortly after at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Congressional Response
Members of Congress have expressed dissatisfaction with CBP’s lack of responsiveness and transparency. Both the House and Senate committees have called for testimonies from top officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stressing the need for accountability.
Legislative Actions
- New legislation aimed at limiting the use of force by DHS agents has been proposed by Rep. Delia Ramirez and Rep. Seth Magaziner.
- The legislation would require timely reporting of incidents involving deadly force.
These proposed measures stem from frustrations regarding the agency’s operations, specifically highlighting concerns over the violence associated with immigration enforcement in the U.S.
Continuing Investigations
The incident involving Pretti’s death has prompted investigations from both the Minneapolis Fire Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The case has raised broader concerns about CBP’s accountability and the overall handling of use-of-force incidents by federal law enforcement.
A CBP spokesperson stated that death-in-custody reports are standard procedures meant to provide initial outlines of incidents. However, the lack of definitive conclusions in these reports has fueled ongoing debates over federal enforcement actions.
The growing dissatisfaction from lawmakers signifies a pivotal moment for immigration enforcement practices, with calls for reforms echoing throughout Congress. As investigations continue, the implications of this tragic event are likely to resonate beyond Minneapolis.
