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The Trump administration is encountering unusual resistance from some Republican lawmakers after the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal agents. A growing number of congressional Republicans are calling for an investigation, with at least one suggesting that immigration officials should withdraw from the area.
While Democrats have primarily driven the criticism following the incident—where immigration agents fatally shot a man protesting ICE’s presence in the city on Saturday, marking the second deadly shooting this month—a handful of Republicans have expressed concern, labeling the event as “disturbing” and advocating for congressional oversight.
“I am troubled by the events that have unfolded in Minneapolis,” stated Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) on Sunday, backing House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino’s (R-NY) request for testimonies from ICE and other immigration agency leaders.
“As an attorney and former federal prosecutor, I believe a thorough investigation is necessary—both to get to the bottom of these incidents and to maintain Americans’ confidence in our justice system,” McCaul, who previously chaired the committee, added.
Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, suggested that President Trump consider scaling back immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, which has been the epicenter of ongoing protests against ICE tactics.
Earlier this month, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, who was allegedly obstructing traffic during a confrontation with the officer.
“If I were President Trump, I would almost think … if there’s a chance of losing more innocent lives, then maybe go to another city and let the people of Minneapolis decide,” Comer expressed on Fox News, while accusing state officials of inflaming the situation.
The shooting has intensified calls from Democrats to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) joining over 100 House Democrats in labeling her as unqualified for the role on Sunday.
Gillen was among seven Democrats who supported funding for the Department of Homeland Security in a recent House vote. However, Senate Democrats appear poised to block the funding bill in light of the shooting, jeopardizing the allocation ahead of a looming shutdown deadline.
Most Republicans have refrained from commenting on Saturday’s shooting, including some centrist members who have previously been supportive of the administration. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) expressed caution, stating he was “loathe” to share his views until he learns more about the circumstances surrounding 37-year-old Alex Pretti’s death.
“It’s hard to determine,” Bacon told the Washington Examiner, reiterating his backing for legislation that enhances border security while providing a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants. “The biggest issue from a congressional standpoint is that we need to update our legal immigration laws,” he added. “I support the Dignity Act for this reason.”
Other Republicans have joined the call for an investigation, with Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) criticizing the administration’s initial portrayal of Pretti as an “assassin” and “domestic terrorist.”
“Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins is doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy,” Tillis stated on Sunday.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) warned that the “credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake” following the “incredibly disturbing” shooting, marking a rare divergence from the White House after Trump endorsed a primary challenger last week.
Trump faced criticism from centrist Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who both focused on claims that agents were justified in shooting Pretti due to his alleged possession of a firearm. Pretti reportedly had a concealed carry permit, and bystander footage suggests the weapon was removed before the first shot was fired.
“Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence; it’s a Constitutionally protected God-given right, and if you don’t understand this, you have no business in law enforcement or government,” Massie remarked on X.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene challenged the assertion that Pretti’s gun was visible prior to the incident, stating that “legally carrying a firearm is not the same as brandishing a firearm.” Greene, once an ally of Trump, left Congress in January following a fallout with the president.
These concerns arise as Second Amendment advocacy groups have issued statements calling for an investigation into the Border Patrol shooting.
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