Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) issued a blistering statement condemning the incident as “unacceptable, unconscionable, and un-American,” and called on Congress to block further Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and rescind billions allocated for immigration enforcement under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

Video Evidence Fuels Public Outrage

Video footage circulating online appears to show Pretti being tackled, restrained, and shot by federal agents during a protest against intensified immigration enforcement operations. While DHS allies have suggested Pretti posed a threat due to carrying a legally owned firearm, critics argue the footage shows no imminent danger that would justify lethal force.

Minnesota’s Attorney General has publicly accused President Donald Trump, DHS Chief of Staff Gregory Bovino, and Secretary Noem of spreading what he described as a “completely senseless” narrative about the shooting. A Trump-appointed federal judge has since ordered DHS to preserve all evidence related to the case amid allegations of attempted destruction of records.

Fletcher: “An Occupation of American Cities”

In her January 25 statement, Fletcher framed the killing as part of a broader constitutional crisis.

“People across the country and around the world witnessed agents of the United States government brutally kill an American citizen exercising his constitutional rights — for the second time in less than three weeks,” Fletcher said. “There can be no justification. We all saw what happened.”

She described the growing federal presence in non-border states such as Minnesota as a “brutal occupation of American cities and states” and warned that DHS, as currently led, is making Americans less safe.

Momentum Builds to Impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

Fletcher announced she has formally joined a House resolution to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, citing what Democrats describe as escalating violence, lawlessness, and unchecked federal overreach.

The impeachment resolution, first introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) after the January 7 killing of Renee Good, now has over 120 Democratic co-sponsors, representing more than half of the House Democratic caucus. Recent additions include Reps. Debbie Dingell, Laura Gillen, Troy Carter, Gregory Meeks, Sam Liccardo, Marilyn Strickland, and Robert Garcia.

While Senate support remains limited, Sen. Jackie Rosen (D-NV) has publicly endorsed impeachment, calling Noem an “abject failure.”

Push to Block DHS Funding and Rescind OBBBA Money

Fletcher also revealed she voted against continued DHS funding in the latest appropriations package and urged senators of both parties to do the same unless strict protections are added to prevent abuses by federal agents.

At the center of the funding fight is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, which allocated $75 billion to ICE for expanded deportation operations, new facilities, training centers, and enforcement initiatives. Progressive lawmakers and civil liberties groups argue the law has “turbocharged” federal enforcement while eroding constitutional safeguards.

Fletcher called for Congress to rescind the ICE funding entirely, launch sweeping investigations into DHS conduct, and restore robust oversight mechanisms.

Protests, Political Fallout, and National Implications

The killing of Alex Pretti has sparked mass protests in Minneapolis, with demonstrators chanting “Say his name: Alex Pretti. Say her name: Renee Good.” Calls to abolish ICE have intensified, while conservative officials — including Vice President JD Vance — have blamed local leaders for refusing to cooperate with federal operations.

Even traditionally conservative outlets have criticized DHS messaging, accusing Secretary Noem of misleading statements and reckless escalation.

As impeachment efforts accelerate and DHS funding faces resistance in the Senate, the Pretti case has become a flashpoint in the broader struggle over immigration enforcement, federal power, and constitutional rights.

With two Americans dead in three weeks, Democrats warn the nation is approaching a breaking point — and that Congress must act before more lives are lost.