In a tense Senate hearing, Sen. Rand Paul challenged the immigration chiefs over their tactics following the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Paul critiqued the use of force by federal officers and emphasized that trust in the nation’s immigration agencies has diminished significantly.
The hearing was convened in light of recent protests against federal immigration enforcement that culminated in violence, raising questions about the conduct of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agencies. Paul expressed particular concern over the actions of CBP officers, asserting that Pretti posed no threat at the time of the incident, which occurred on January 24, 2026.
During the session, Paul played a video of the shooting, pausing to demonstrate Pretti's retreating actions as he was pepper-sprayed. He argued that Pretti was attempting to escape rather than confront the officers.
Scott and Lyons, who led the immigration agencies, countered Paul’s assertions, with Scott stating that Pretti was non-compliant and engaged in continuous resistance, while Lyons defended their accountability measures and procedures.
Paul’s criticisms were notable for being among the few to come from his party; most Republicans largely avoided challenging the agencies' conduct. Democrats voiced strong opposition to the aggressive tactics of immigration officers, aligning with growing public unrest regarding federal enforcement actions.
The backdrop of the hearing includes calls for reform, as both Paul and other senators highlighted the need for transparency and the acknowledgment of accountability to restore public trust in immigration law enforcement.
In the wake of the incident and increasing scrutiny of immigration tactics, the nature of CBP and ICE operations remains a contentious subject in U.S. politics, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward immigration and law enforcement in a changing country.
