LWVUS and LWVMN joined a statement condemning federal authorities for blocking Minnesota's independent investigation into the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) killing of Alex Pretti.
50+ Organizations Condemn Federal Authorities for Blocking Minnesota’s Independent Investigation into CBP Killing of Alex Pretti
WASHINGTON, DC — Today marks one month since the killing of Alex Pretti on January 24th,
2026. New reporting recently revealed that the Trump administration backed out of a joint
investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by a Border Patrol
agent. The reversal came despite Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s previous public
commitments to transparency and cooperation with Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension.
Minnesota leaders are sounding the alarm: Governor Walz said the state is “asking for what’s
always been done,” while Attorney General Keith Ellison testified that federal authorities have
provided “no cooperation” and are “stonewalling” the investigation.
In response, 52 organizations released the following statement:
By blocking Minnesota’s investigation and attempting to shield agents from accountability, the Trump administration is sending a clear message: federal law enforcement can kill with absolute impunity. This move attempts to place federal agents above the law and beyond the reach of justice.
Alex Pretti’s family deserves answers. Getting to that truth requires federal and local law enforcement to work together – cooperation that has been standard practice for decades and remains essential to any credible investigation. The rule of law demands accountability when constitutional rights are violated.
We demand immediate action: mandatory independent investigations for all federal use of deadly force, recognition of state authority to investigate federal misconduct, federal cooperation with local investigators, and real consequences for constitutional violations. Without accountability, we allow federal forces to operate with impunity and face no consequences for taking American lives.
See posted statement for list of signatories: https://www.theusconstitution.org/news/50-organizations-condemn-federal-authorities-for-blocking-minnesotas-independent-investigation-into-cbp-killing-of-alex-pretti/