Concerns Raised Over ICE Cooperation and Shooting Incident in Minneapolis
On a recent broadcast, former ICE official Tim Miller expressed serious concerns regarding local law enforcement’s lack of collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He referred to this disconnect as a “routine recipe for disaster,” especially in light of two civilian deaths caused by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Miller, speaking on “Sunday Night in America” with host Trey Gordy, emphasized a troubling aspect: “The scary thing is the police aren’t with them.” Without the involvement of local law enforcement, Miller believes, this situation becomes precarious. “Unfortunately, that’s what we’re seeing.”
He pointed to the Supreme Court’s Graham v. Connor ruling, noting that law enforcement conduct must be evaluated based on “objective reasonableness.” He suggested that the details surrounding the fatal encounter with Veterans Affairs ICU nurse Alex Preti would be examined closely.
In the meantime, a deputy chief came to the defense of the agent involved in the shooting, asserting that police officers acted humanely. He remarked on the legal aspects surrounding the incident, mentioning that violations had occurred, and affirmed that the facts of the case—and what constitutes reasonable force—are under review. “When a gun is involved,” he noted, “deadly force is an option.”
Former Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, also featured on the show, advocated for withholding judgment until more evidence is available. He highlighted the danger of jumping to conclusions without complete information by referencing past incidents, like the Renee Good shooting, which ended poorly and risked undermining justice.
Further complicating the narrative, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the sequence of events during Saturday’s shooting. While some officials from President Trump’s administration defended the agents’ actions as self-defense, Preti’s parents condemned these claims, calling them “a disgusting lie.”
In a statement, Michael and Susan Pretty described their son as a compassionate individual dedicated to his family, friends, and veterans. They rejected the government’s characterization of the incident, asserting, “Alex did not have a gun when he was attacked,” adding that he was simply holding a cell phone and trying to protect a woman being subdued by ICE agents.
Mr. Preti’s tragic death marks the second incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, raising urgent questions about the interplay between local law enforcement and ICE.
