1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for your recent decision to publicly call for a full investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. As you know, Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, was shot and killed by federal Border Patrol agents amid the ongoing federal immigration crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge, the second such death in Minnesota in recent weeks. Video and eyewitness accounts have raised serious concerns about the use of force and the conduct of federal agents in this case, and national attention, including from a bipartisan group of lawmakers, underscores the urgency of a transparent and impartial inquiry. Your statement urging a thorough review, at a moment when many in your party have remained silent, stands out as a necessary step toward accountability and clarity. It is essential that all facts surrounding this tragic event be examined by independent investigators so that the American people can have confidence in how federal law enforcement operates and how civilians’ constitutional rights are protected. As you rightly recognized, calming tensions and de-escalating the situation in Minnesota is not just desirable — it is required. The deaths of Mr. Pretti and others have ignited protests, widespread public outcry, and legal challenges as state officials work to ensure evidence is preserved and proper investigative processes are followed. In light of your call for accountability, I respectfully urge you to take further action in this critical moment. Specifically, I ask that you consider breaking with the Republican leadership’s current course and oppose continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the upcoming appropriations process unless meaningful reforms to immigration enforcement and oversight of agencies like ICE and Border Patrol are enacted. This budget fight. which may lead to a partial government shutdown if a bipartisan agreement is not reached, offers Congress a pivotal leverage point to insist on stronger safeguards, transparency, and respect for civil liberties as conditions for funding. Words matter, and your acknowledgement of the seriousness of these events matters. But leadership also requires action. By aligning your legislative priorities with your expressed concern over the Pretti shooting — including by voting against DHS funding that would continue business as usual — you would send a clear message that accountability and constitutional protections are not negotiable. Thank you again for taking a public stand toward greater transparency and investigation. I urge you to continue to demonstrate principled leadership in the Senate by advocating for reforms that protect civil liberties, preserve public trust, and ensure that tragedies like this prompt meaningful change.