1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I write to you today with grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related federal immigration enforcement actions. Recent events in Minneapolis have underscored a crisis in both civil liberties and public safety that demands urgent congressional attention and oversight. On January 7, 2026, Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. The circumstances surrounding her death — including multiple gunshot wounds as she attempted to leave the scene — have raised profound questions about the use of lethal force against civilians engaging in constitutionally protected behavior, such as observing public law enforcement activities. Then, on January 24, 2026, less than three weeks later, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old American ICU nurse and Veterans Affairs employee, was shot and killed by a federal Border Patrol agent during the same federal enforcement surge in Minneapolis. Pretti — widely described by family, friends, and colleagues as a dedicated healthcare professional — was reportedly attempting to assist others and documenting the scene with a cellphone when the encounter escalated and deadly force was used. Both killings of American citizens during immigration enforcement actions have sparked local and national outrage, widespread protests, and calls from Minnesota officials for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability. These events have severely eroded trust in federal law enforcement and raised fundamental questions about the appropriate scope and conduct of ICE and Border Patrol operations on U.S. soil. These tragedies are not isolated anecdotes — they reflect systemic issues in federal immigration enforcement, including: The use of deadly force in situations where less lethal options should be prioritized. A lack of transparent, independent investigations that include state and local authorities. Patterns of federal agents supplanting local law enforcement, rather than working alongside them to uphold public safety with accountability. The trauma inflicted upon families, communities, and lawful observers exercising their First and Fourth Amendment rights. ICE’s mandate, as outlined in law, focuses on enforcing immigration statutes. But the recent deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti show a disturbing expansion of that mandate into domains that risk American lives and civil liberties. Congress must not hesitate to ensure that federal personnel are held to the highest standards of conduct and that every enforcement action is accountable to the rule of law. I urge you to take meaningful steps such as: Holding hearings with DHS leadership, ICE, and Border Patrol to thoroughly examine these incidents and practices. Requiring independent investigative authority for shootings involving federal immigration agents, including participation by state and local law enforcement. Ending federal policies that militarize immigration enforcement and undermine community safety and constitutional rights. Exploring legislative reforms to limit the use of force and strengthen oversight mechanisms for federal immigration enforcement officers. The safety of our communities and the fundamental rights of U.S. citizens should never be collateral in immigration policy enforcement. I urge you to act with resolve, transparency, and humanity. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.