Political Backlash Grows Over Immigration Tactics After Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis

Mon Feb 02 2026 21:02:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Concerns rise among Republican leaders regarding federal immigration strategies following the shooting of a U.S. citizen protesting against immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis has sparked significant concerns among several Republican officials about immigration enforcement tactics. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the incident as a 'real tragedy' and emphasized the need for accountability. Other Republicans echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of an impartial investigation and questioning the administration's response to the situation. As tensions mount, federal officials maintain their hardline approach to immigration enforcement, blaming local leaders for escalating the chaos.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A handful of Republicans expressed growing concern Sunday about the tactics that federal immigration officials are using in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a man in Minneapolis.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said the killing Saturday of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who protested President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, was a “real tragedy.” Pretti was a U.S. citizen, born in Illinois.

“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”

Stitt suggested that President Trump needs to clarify the administration's strategy regarding immigration enforcement. “He’s getting bad advice right now,” he added.

The governor urged the president to communicate a clear solution and “endgame” to the American public rather than allowing the situation to be politicized. “Right now, tempers are just going crazy and we need to calm this down,” Stitt stated.

Republican senators, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, also expressed unease. Cassidy described the shooting as “incredibly disturbing” and warned that the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security is at stake. Tillis called for a “thorough and impartial investigation,” asserting that any rush to judgment by officials could harm the nation and President Trump’s legacy.

Meanwhile, administration officials defended the hardline immigration tactics. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that “it's a tragedy when anyone dies” but pointed blame at Democratic leaders in Minnesota for “fomenting chaos.” He suggested that the governor has not effectively managed the unrest surrounding the situation.