A fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minnesota has ignited fierce debate among Republican lawmakers, with some calling for investigations while others defend the Trump administration’s enforcement tactics.
The death of Alex Pretti has prompted a widening rift within the Republican Party over federal immigration enforcement operations.
In the aftermath of the shooting and subsequent release of video footage, several GOP members of Congress have demanded greater scrutiny of the incident.
Republican House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino of New York has taken formal action by requesting testimony from leadership of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Washington Representative Michael Baumgartner, also a Republican, endorsed Garbarino’s initiative.
In a social media post, Baumgartner emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that “the American people and Congress be given a better understanding of how immigration enforcement is being handled.”
House Oversight GOP Chairman James Comer raised the possibility of relocating federal agents during an appearance on a Sunday morning news program.
Speaking on Fox News, Comer suggested that President Donald Trump might consider redeploying ICE personnel if local officials continue creating dangerous conditions for federal agents.
“If I were President Trump, I would almost think about, OK, if the mayor and governor are going put our ICE officials in harm’s way and there’s a chance of losing more innocent lives, or whatever, then maybe go to another city and let the people of Minneapolis decide: Do we want to continue to have all of these illegals?” Comer stated.
He predicted that Minnesota residents would ultimately “rebel against their leadership.”
WATCH:
Trump acknowledged Comer’s television appearance on his social media platform, praising the chairman as “GREAT” in his interview.
The president noted that Comer “said it all concerning Minnesota” along with other subjects discussed during the broadcast.
Multiple Republican senators from across the country have joined the chorus calling for independent investigations.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis have all requested thorough examinations of the shooting, with Cassidy warning that the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security hangs in the balance.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul added his voice to those demanding accountability, calling on directors of ICE, CBP and USCIS to appear before the Homeland Security Committee in a Monday social media post.
Murkowski took a particularly strong stance in her Sunday statement, declaring that “ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”
The Alaska senator argued that legal firearm possession should never be grounds for federal agents to employ deadly force.
“Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American — especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” Murkowski wrote.
Her remarks highlight increasing concern among certain lawmakers regarding the handling of the Minneapolis incident.
The critics span different political positions within the party.
While some vocal Republicans are retiring senators or have previously clashed with Trump, others maintain strong party alignment and face upcoming elections.
South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson, currently campaigning in his state’s gubernatorial primary, called for all involved parties to “deescalate.”
He wrote that the situation “demands a thorough investigation,” treating it as any officer-involved shooting would require.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt characterized the Minneapolis shooting as “a real tragedy” during a Sunday interview.
He challenged Trump to articulate a clear “end game” for his immigration enforcement strategy.
“Nobody likes the feds coming to their states,” Stitt remarked, questioning the overarching objectives of federal operations.
“And so what is the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non‑U.S. citizen? I don’t think that’s what Americans want.”
Stitt added that “Right now, tempers are just going crazy and we need to calm this down,” reflecting concerns about escalating tensions.
The majority of House Republicans have chosen silence or voiced support for the Trump administration’s position defending federal agents.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana told a Sunday news program that “you are not allowed to carry a gun while committing another crime and interfering with law enforcement is a felony.”
