Minneapolis, Minn. — The two federal immigration agents who fired their weapons during the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed Wednesday, a routine step while a formal investigation into the encounter continues.
Pretti, an intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by federal officers on Jan. 24 during a federal immigration enforcement operation that has drawn intense local and national scrutiny. A preliminary report shared with Congress found that two officers discharged their firearms, but did not support initial claims by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that Pretti brandished a weapon, a point that has fueled ongoing debate and protest.
CBP spokespersons confirmed the agents have been placed on leave “since Saturday” under standard protocol for officers involved in a use-of-force incident, though they have not been publicly identified due to privacy rules. The move contradicts earlier comments by Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who had said on Sunday that the agents were still working in other locations for their safety.
Administrative leave means the agents remain employed but are temporarily relieved of field duties while internal reviews and possible external investigations continue. This is standard with law-enforcement shootings and is not, by itself, a determination of wrongdoing.
Pretti’s death came amid Operation Metro Surge, a broad enforcement effort targeting undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis that has provoked widespread protest after multiple fatal encounters, including the killing of Renee Good earlier in January by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
The administrative-leave decision arrives amid fierce backlash from city and state leaders and lawmakers of both parties, many of whom have demanded greater transparency and accountability in the handling of the Minneapolis operation. Critics argue that the preliminary official narrative about Pretti’s actions does not align with publicly available video evidence showing him holding a phone when confronted by agents.
Read Also: Trump Warns Iran Time Is Running Out On Nuclear Deal
Minnesota officials have called for independent investigations into the shooting, and pressure continues to grow on federal authorities to publicly release more detailed documentation of what occurred before and during the fatal encounter.
For now, the placement of the agents on administrative leave signals the start of a closer review, even as communities and political leaders push for answers about a case that has reignited debates over immigration enforcement and use of force.