DOJ has opened a federal civil rights probe into the death of Alex Pretti, deputy AG says

Source: PBS News/AP

Jan 30, 2026 11:47 AM EST


WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti into the shooting of Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis resident killed Saturday by Border Patrol officers, according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

"We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day," Blanche said during a media conference on Friday. The Department of Homeland Security also said Friday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will lead the federal probe.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem first disclosed the shift in which agency was leading the probe during a Fox News interview Thursday evening. Her department said earlier this week that Homeland Security Investigations, a unit within the department, would be heading the investigation.

"We will continue to follow the investigation that the FBI is leading and giving them all the information that they need to bring that to conclusion, and make sure that the American people know the truth of the situation and how we can go forward and continue to protect the American people," Noem said, speaking to Fox host Sean Hannity.

Read more: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/doj-has-opened-a-federal-civil-rights-probe-into-the-death-of-alex-pretti-deputy-ag-says