By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBTQ Politics

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — (January 25, 2026) — LGBTQ+ elected officials across the United States condemn and are calling for increased federal oversight and funding restrictions on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday morning.

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Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse at a Veterans Administration hospital, was shot and killed by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer while reportedly attempting to protect another protester during an ongoing demonstration.

DHS officials have claimed that Pretti posed a threat to agents and was armed. However, video footage circulating online appears to show Pretti holding only a mobile phone, with no visible weapon in either hand at the time of the shooting. Authorities later confirmed that Pretti possessed a firearm with a valid permit, though it was not visible in the footage.



Ongoing Protests and Federal Presence

The incident comes amid weeks of large-scale protests in Minneapolis following the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. Federal authorities previously claimed that officer acted in self-defense, though video evidence showed Good driving away at the time she was shot.

Since then, Minneapolis and other parts of Minnesota have seen a significant increase in ICE and CBP operations, officially described as immigration enforcement efforts. Critics argue that the heightened federal presence has escalated tensions and increased the risk of violence.

While DHS confirmed that a CBP agent was responsible for Pretti’s death, many officials and advocates have focused their criticism on ICE and the broader DHS enforcement strategy.

Lawmakers Call for Accountability

Several LGBTQ lawmakers issued statements on social media calling for reforms, investigations, and restrictions on DHS funding.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin wrote on X:

“ICE and DHS are out of control and making our communities less safe. I will not support funding for DHS without clear accountability and stronger controls over the agency. It is time for the Senate to do its job and rein in this lawlessness.”

The Senate is expected to vote soon on a DHS funding package previously approved by the House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Democrats would not provide the votes needed to advance the bill without significant changes.

Reactions From the U.S. House

Several members of Congress also voiced strong criticism.

Sarah McBride of Delaware posted on X:

“Once again, the administration is telling us not to believe the videos… I voted against DHS funding last week precisely because this is shocking, but tragically not surprising.”

Becca Balint of Vermont wrote on X:

“Heartbreak doesn’t convey the devastation of what happened to Alex Jeffrey Pretti today… The Senate cannot pass the DHS funding bill.”

Angie Craig of Minnesota posted on Facebook:

“This is the time for Senate Democrats to hold the line on this lawless agency.”

Emily Randall of Washington State wrote on Facebook:

“Lawless DHS agents are out of control… That’s why I voted no on the DHS funding package.”

Julie Johnson of Texas wrote on X:

“This is cold-blooded murder… ICE needs to stop terrorizing and killing American citizens.”

Mark Takano of California posted on X:

“This madness has to end. The Senate must reject the current DHS funding package.”

Robert Garcia of California wrote on X:

“ICE must be abolished… These agents need to leave our cities now.”

Mark Pocan of Wisconsin wrote on X:

“ICE just murdered another person in Minnesota… This wannabe-Gestapo has no purpose.”

Eric Sorensen of Illinois wrote on X:

“What happened this morning was murder.”

Chris Pappas of New Hampshire posted on Facebook:

“ICE is out of control and we need accountability now.”

Governors Respond

Several state governors also addressed the incident publicly.

Governor Jared Polis of Colorado released a statement on X condemning the violence and calling for de-escalation.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey wrote on Facebook:

“Enough is enough. President Trump and Kristi Noem need to call ICE agents back.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stated during a press conference:

“We’re going to continue to see violent interactions… because of the escalation of the federal government.”

 

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She emphasized the need for coordination with local officials and de-escalation efforts.

National Debate Intensifies

The killing of Alex Pretti has intensified the national debate over federal law enforcement operations, immigration enforcement practices, and community safety.

Civil rights organizations, advocacy groups, and local leaders are now calling for independent investigations and congressional hearings into DHS conduct.

Federal authorities have stated that the incident remains under review.

For continuing coverage of LGBTQ politics, civil rights, and federal policy developments, follow JRL CHARTS — your trusted source for independent LGBTQ News and Analysis.

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