The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially opened a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti—a Minneapolis resident killed by federal immigration agents—Justice Department officials announced Friday.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters that the investigation will examine “everything that would shed light on what happened that day and in the days and weeks leading up to it,” indicating that facts surrounding the incident and prior interactions with federal agents will be reviewed.
The probe marks a significant expansion from earlier internal reviews and underscores the seriousness with which the Justice Department is now treating the case. The FBI is leading the federal investigation, with involvement from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, and will work alongside other federal law enforcement units to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and evaluate the conduct of those involved.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also confirmed the FBI’s leadership role in the investigation. Earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had indicated that her department would initially oversee the review, but the shift now places the FBI at the forefront. DHS’s own investigative units will still assist the inquiry.
This development comes amid widespread controversy, public protests, and conflicting accounts of the events leading to Pretti’s death. Video footage has contradicted some initial statements by federal officials about the shooting, fueling calls for transparency from civil rights advocates and lawmakers.
Federal agents shot Pretti during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis, sparking public outrage and renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics. Local and state authorities have also voiced concerns about how the investigation has been handled and are pursuing their own inquiries.
The federal civil rights investigation could potentially lead to charges if evidence shows constitutional rights were violated, though federal prosecutors historically face a high legal threshold in such cases.
The situation remains highly dynamic, with demonstrations and political debate continuing as more details emerge.
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