Two federal officers discharged firearms during the incident that resulted in the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, as stated by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official in a notification sent to Congress. The officers attempted to apprehend Pretti, who resisted, leading to a physical altercation, per details revealed in the communication to Congress sourced by The Associated Press. In the midst of the struggle, a Border Patrol agent repeatedly shouted, “He’s armed!” according to the official.
According to the notice, a Border Patrol agent and a CBP officer each utilized Glock pistols in the encounter. The investigation, conducted by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, was based on a thorough examination of body-worn camera footage and agency records, as outlined in the communication. It is mandated by law that the agency promptly notifies relevant congressional committees about fatalities in CBP custody within 72 hours.
The notification was issued following U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive for border czar Tom Homan to oversee his administration’s immigration enforcement measures in Minnesota after Pretti’s demise, which marked the second fatal shooting by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis this month.
In an interview on Fox News, Trump mentioned that by deploying Homan to Minnesota, the situation would be defused to some extent. The President highlighted Homan’s ability to collaborate effectively with governors and mayors, even in Democratic territories.
Upon departing the White House, Trump was asked about the justification for Pretti’s death. He responded by stating that a comprehensive investigation was in progress. Following Pretti’s death, certain administration officials attempted to attribute the shooting to the 37-year-old nurse from the intensive care unit.
Meanwhile, Ecuador’s foreign affairs minister lodged a complaint with the U.S. Embassy after ICE agents attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without authorization. A video circulating on social media captured a consulate staff member rushing to the door to block the ICE agents, emphasizing that the premises were the Ecuadorian consulate and access was not permitted. In response, one ICE officer can be heard threatening to detain the staff member and eventually agreeing to depart.
In general, international law prohibits law enforcement agencies from entering foreign consulates or embassies without consent, except in cases of life-threatening emergencies like fires where implied consent may be assumed.
The ministry of foreign affairs of Ecuador swiftly prevented the ICE officer from entering the consular premises, ensuring the safety of present Ecuadorians and activating emergency protocols. A formal protest was lodged with the U.S. Embassy to prevent similar unauthorized entry attempts at other consulates, the ministry confirmed. Requests for comments from the State Department, Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement went unanswered at the time of the Associated Press inquiry.