Federal Civil‑Rights Investigation Launched Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on Jan. 30 that the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division opened a federal probe into Alex Pretti’s killing [1][2][3]. The FBI will lead the investigation, with Homeland Security Investigations providing assistance, while Customs and Border Protection conducts its own internal review [2][3]. Blanche emphasized that the civil‑rights inquiry is independent of the Department of Homeland Security’s separate review [3]. The probe will examine whether Pretti’s constitutional rights were violated during the immigration operation [1][2].

Pretti Shot While Filming Border Patrol Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive‑care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was shot multiple times on Jan. 24 while recording Border Patrol officers conducting an immigration enforcement sweep [1][2][3]. He legally owned a handgun, and video released by witnesses appears to show one officer removing his weapon before two others opened fire [2][3]. The officers involved were members of Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol unit [1][2]. Pretti’s death has intensified criticism of federal immigration tactics nationwide [1][3].

Minnesota Officials Barred From Probe Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said state officials have been locked out of both the DOJ civil‑rights probe and the DHS internal investigation [1][2][3]. They expressed frustration that evidence custody—such as Pretti’s phone and the firearms used—remains unclear and may not be shared with state investigators [1][2]. Blanche declined to confirm which agency currently holds the items or whether body‑camera footage will be released [2][3]. The exclusion underscores a growing rift between federal and Minnesota authorities [1].

Trump Sends Border Czar Tom Homan President Trump announced on social media that Tom Homan, the administration’s “Border Czar,” would replace Greg Bovino to oversee ICE operations in Minnesota [1][2][3]. Trump added that he and Governor Walz were “on a similar wavelength” regarding the future of federal agents in the state [2][3]. Homan’s deployment follows the Pretti shooting and signals heightened federal attention to the controversy [1]. The move has drawn criticism from civil‑rights groups who view it as an escalation [1].

Parallel Federal Moves Heighten Tensions Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that journalist Don Lemon was arrested while covering a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, an incident linked to the broader backlash against ICE officials [1]. Deputy Attorney General Blanche noted that not every law‑enforcement shooting triggers a civil‑rights probe, citing the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good as a contrasting case [1]. Meanwhile, President Trump nominated former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair, and Senate Republican Thom Tillis warned he will block any nominee until the DOJ inquiry into the Pretti case is resolved [1]. These parallel actions illustrate the administration’s simultaneous focus on immigration enforcement and monetary policy amid political turbulence [1].