Trump’s Immigration Policies Split Republicans After Federal Agent Kills Minneapolis Nurse

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 21:58 IST

Several Republican senators have demanded a full, impartial investigation into the shooting.

US President Donald Trump. (Getty File)

A number of Republican lawmakers are questioning the Trump administration after a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. The incident has exposed sharp divisions within the Republican Party over immigration enforcement tactics and oversight.

Calls for an independent investigation

Several Republican senators have demanded a full, impartial investigation into the shooting. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana called the events “incredibly disturbing" and said there must be a joint federal and state investigation. He warned that the credibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is at stake.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said the investigation must be “thorough and impartial", which he described as the basic standard after any officer-involved shooting. He cautioned Trump administration officials against rushing to judgement or trying to shut down an inquiry.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said the shooting raises serious questions about immigration enforcement training and the instructions given to officers. She called for a comprehensive, independent investigation and for Congress to hold hearings.

Alex Pretti shooting

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse and US citizen, was shot and killed on a Minneapolis street after CBP agents pushed him to the ground. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti assaulted agents and brandished a gun.

However, video footage shows Pretti holding his smartphone while recording officers as they pushed a woman to the ground. He then appeared to try to help her before being surrounded by agents. One agent retrieved Pretti’s legally carried firearm, for which he had a permit, and another agent then fired multiple shots.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti had a valid permit to carry the gun.

State officials blocked from investigation

Minnesota officials said federal authorities blocked state investigators from accessing the scene. Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), said DHS took over the case and prevented his agency from taking part.

Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison said state investigators were denied access even after obtaining a judicial search warrant. A federal judge later ordered DHS not to destroy or alter any evidence.

Ellison said the situation was “uncharted territory" and stressed the importance of preserving evidence in a homicide case.

Lawmakers demand oversight

Republican Representative Andrew Garbarino of New York formally requested testimony from senior CBP, ICE and DHS officials before the House Homeland Security Committee, which he chairs. He said Congress has a responsibility to ensure public safety and proper oversight.

Representative Michael McCaul of Texas said he was troubled by the events and stressed the need for a thorough investigation to maintain public trust.

Other Republican senators, including Jon Husted of Ohio, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania and Susan Collins of Maine, also called for transparent investigations into whether excessive force was used.

Shutdown risk grows in Congress

The shooting has intensified tensions in Congress and raised the risk of a partial government shutdown. Senate Democrats have vowed not to fund DHS, citing concerns over ICE and CBP conduct.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would block a six-bill funding package unless the Homeland Security bill is removed. He urged Republicans to pass the other five funding bills separately while rewriting DHS funding.

Some Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins, are exploring ways to separate DHS funding to avoid a shutdown. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune would need full Senate consent, and time is running short before the January 30 deadline.

Wider political fallout

The shooting of Pretti, along with the earlier killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis, has sparked nationwide backlash against the Trump administration’s deployment of immigration officers to Democratic-led cities.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said federal immigration officers do not have “carte blanche" in carrying out their duties and that lawfully carrying a gun does not justify killing an American citizen.

As Republicans openly question the administration’s actions, the case has become a major test for Trump’s immigration policy, party unity and the future of DHS funding.

News world Trump’s Immigration Policies Split Republicans After Federal Agent Kills Minneapolis Nurse

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