1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate action regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, by immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. More than 55 hours after his death, the federal government has refused to identify the agents involved, breaking with standard law enforcement protocol. Video evidence from multiple angles directly contradicts the official narrative from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who claimed Pretti was "brandishing a weapon" and "violently resisted" arrest. The videos show Pretti being shoved to the ground after attempting to film officers with his cellphone, then being pepper-sprayed even after holding up his hands in apparent surrender. Two agents fired at least ten shots at Pretti as he lay on the ground. The administration's only evidence for labeling him a "terrorist" planning to "massacre law enforcement" is that he was carrying a legally-owned handgun. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino announced that all agents involved are "still working," though they have been moved out of Minneapolis. This is unprecedented. David J. Bier of the Cato Institute noted that in seven other jurisdictions where police shot at people this year, officers were placed on administrative leave as standard protocol. The administration has threatened to prosecute anyone who reveals agent identities, despite the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression confirming that publishing law enforcement officer names is generally First Amendment-protected speech. Senator Tina Smith has reported that the Trump administration has ignored a court order allowing state investigators to access evidence, with federal agents refusing to comply even with a warrant. This mirrors the earlier shooting of Renee Good by agent Jonathan Ross, where the administration shut down investigations and froze out state-level investigators. I urge you to demand the immediate release of the names of the agents who shot Alex Pretti, support transparent state and federal investigations, and oppose any federal policies that shield immigration agents from accountability. No law enforcement officer should operate above the law.