The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, the US deputy attorney general has said.
Todd Blanche said he did not want to overstate the move, calling it a standard investigation by the FBI when there are circumstances like what we saw.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the FBI would lead the investigation into Pretti's shooting in Minneapolis, with support from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. His death followed closely on the heels of another shooting involving federal officers in the same city.
We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day, Blanche mentioned during a press conference.
He clarified that the investigation would incorporate lawyers from the civil rights division as necessary. Initially, the Homeland Security Investigations branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been managing the inquiry.
Following the incident, two agents involved in Pretti's shooting have been placed on administrative leave, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Preliminary reports from DHS indicate that two officers drew their weapons during a confrontation with Pretti, contradicting earlier claims that he had brandished a firearm.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen, had participated in protests in Minneapolis following the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7.
These events have led to renewed demonstrations across Minnesota, triggering backlash from the public and criticisms from legislators on both sides of the aisle.
In light of these events, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have called for the complete withdrawal of federal agents from the area. The state has also sought a federal judge's intervention to cease Operation Metro Surge, a DHS initiative entailing significant immigration enforcement efforts involving over 3,000 officers.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has indicated a potential reduction in federal presence in Minnesota, while border enforcement officials ensure that mission goals will remain intact but executed with adjusted strategies.
Todd Blanche said he did not want to overstate the move, calling it a standard investigation by the FBI when there are circumstances like what we saw.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the FBI would lead the investigation into Pretti's shooting in Minneapolis, with support from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. His death followed closely on the heels of another shooting involving federal officers in the same city.
We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day, Blanche mentioned during a press conference.
He clarified that the investigation would incorporate lawyers from the civil rights division as necessary. Initially, the Homeland Security Investigations branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been managing the inquiry.
Following the incident, two agents involved in Pretti's shooting have been placed on administrative leave, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Preliminary reports from DHS indicate that two officers drew their weapons during a confrontation with Pretti, contradicting earlier claims that he had brandished a firearm.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen, had participated in protests in Minneapolis following the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7.
These events have led to renewed demonstrations across Minnesota, triggering backlash from the public and criticisms from legislators on both sides of the aisle.
In light of these events, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have called for the complete withdrawal of federal agents from the area. The state has also sought a federal judge's intervention to cease Operation Metro Surge, a DHS initiative entailing significant immigration enforcement efforts involving over 3,000 officers.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has indicated a potential reduction in federal presence in Minnesota, while border enforcement officials ensure that mission goals will remain intact but executed with adjusted strategies.
