WASHINGTON – A growing number of Republicans voiced their unease Sunday over the methods employed by federal immigration authorities in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot and killed a man in Minneapolis.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the Saturday incident involving Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, as a “true tragedy.” Pretti, who was a U.S. citizen born in Illinois, lost his life during the altercation.
“The loss of American lives and the images we’re witnessing on television are raising serious concerns about the strategies and accountability of federal agents,” Stitt remarked during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He added, “Americans are unsettled by the current situation.”
When questioned about whether President Trump should withdraw immigration officers from Minnesota, Stitt deferred, suggesting that the president should address that issue.
“He’s receiving misguided counsel at the moment,” Stitt commented.
The governor urged the Republican president to communicate a clear plan and resolution to the public, emphasizing the need for concrete solutions rather than political maneuvering. “Emotions are running high right now, and we need to bring some calm to the situation,” Stitt stated.
Other Republicans, including Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, also conveyed unease. In a social media post, Cassidy called the shooting “incredibly disturbing” and that the “credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.” Tillis urged a “thorough and impartial investigation.”
“Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy,” Tillis said in a post.
Administration officials were firm in their defense of the hard-line immigration tactics.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said “it’s a tragedy when anyone dies” but he blamed Democratic leaders in Minnesota for “fomenting chaos.”
“There are a lot of paid agitators who are ginning things up and the governor has not done a good job of tamping this down,” Bessent said on ABC’s “This Week.”
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Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report
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