US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released a report on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, but instead of providing an in-depth account of what happened, the agency sent Congress its own set of questions, which they had drafted themselves. This move has raised eyebrows as it appears that CBP was unwilling to provide clear answers about the incident.
The report on Pretti's killing provides some details, such as how he was confronted by a CBPO who pushed two female civilians away before deploying pepper spray and attempting to take him into custody. However, when Congress asked CBP for more information, the agency responded with its own set of questions that were essentially met with vague answers.
One question drafted by CBP asks whether agents wore body cameras, but instead of providing a direct answer, the agency defers to investigating agencies. Similarly, another question asks if an immigrant being targeted had a final order of removal, and the response is also that CBP will have to defer to DHS and the investigating agencies for further detail.
The full questionnaire sent by CBP can be read in full online, but it's clear that the agency was not forthcoming about its actions on the day of Pretti's death. The report provides an initial outline of what happened, but does not convey any definitive conclusions or investigative findings.
This incident highlights the lack of transparency from CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in general. As members of Congress become increasingly agitated with the lack of information from these agencies, there is a growing concern that they are not being held accountable for their actions.
In fact, last January, President Donald Trump rescinded an executive order on law enforcement data, releasing ICE from its obligation to provide Congress with information on use of force by their agents. This decision will likely impact the release of new information about ICE agent Jonathan Ross's fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month.
This is not a one-off incident; The Intercept has reported extensively on the violence and brutality used by CBP and ICE against peaceful protesters, immigrants, and others. It appears that these agencies are using their powers to intimidate and silence those who speak out against them.
The Intercept is fighting back, but it needs support from its members to expand its reporting capacity in 2026. By joining The Intercept as a member, readers can help the organization continue to provide fearless journalism that holds power accountable.
As Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) noted, "If Congress fails to restrain DHS' campaign of intimidation now, the horror we are seeing unfold in Minneapolis will become the norm across the country." It's time for lawmakers to take action and ensure that these agencies are held accountable for their actions.
The report on Pretti's killing provides some details, such as how he was confronted by a CBPO who pushed two female civilians away before deploying pepper spray and attempting to take him into custody. However, when Congress asked CBP for more information, the agency responded with its own set of questions that were essentially met with vague answers.
One question drafted by CBP asks whether agents wore body cameras, but instead of providing a direct answer, the agency defers to investigating agencies. Similarly, another question asks if an immigrant being targeted had a final order of removal, and the response is also that CBP will have to defer to DHS and the investigating agencies for further detail.
The full questionnaire sent by CBP can be read in full online, but it's clear that the agency was not forthcoming about its actions on the day of Pretti's death. The report provides an initial outline of what happened, but does not convey any definitive conclusions or investigative findings.
This incident highlights the lack of transparency from CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in general. As members of Congress become increasingly agitated with the lack of information from these agencies, there is a growing concern that they are not being held accountable for their actions.
In fact, last January, President Donald Trump rescinded an executive order on law enforcement data, releasing ICE from its obligation to provide Congress with information on use of force by their agents. This decision will likely impact the release of new information about ICE agent Jonathan Ross's fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month.
This is not a one-off incident; The Intercept has reported extensively on the violence and brutality used by CBP and ICE against peaceful protesters, immigrants, and others. It appears that these agencies are using their powers to intimidate and silence those who speak out against them.
The Intercept is fighting back, but it needs support from its members to expand its reporting capacity in 2026. By joining The Intercept as a member, readers can help the organization continue to provide fearless journalism that holds power accountable.
As Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) noted, "If Congress fails to restrain DHS' campaign of intimidation now, the horror we are seeing unfold in Minneapolis will become the norm across the country." It's time for lawmakers to take action and ensure that these agencies are held accountable for their actions.
I'm so disappointed in what I just read about US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) releasing a report on Alex Pretti's fatal shooting without providing clear answers. It's like they're trying to sweep the whole thing under the rug! 
They should at least have the decency to answer some basic questions about what happened, but instead they just send Congress their own set of vague questions.
Can't believe CBP can't even be bothered to provide clear answers about Alex Pretti's killing... like, what's next? They gonna send a questionnaire asking us if we're wearing socks right now? 
And then they just defers to other agencies because... well, I guess that's what happens when you're not held accountable for your actions. The lack of transparency is mind-boggling and it's no wonder Congress is getting agitated. And let's be real, this isn't an isolated incident. CBP and ICE have a history of using excessive force against peaceful protesters and immigrants... time someone stepped in to hold them accountable 
. it feels like they're trying to hide something, you know? and the fact that they're deferring to other agencies for more info just makes things worse 
. i think this incident highlights a bigger problem with transparency in the government 
. it's not just about Alex Pretti's death, it's about the culture of fear that's surrounding these agencies 
its like theyre trying to hide something, you feel? and what about the fact that theyre deflecting questions to other agencies? that sounds super suspicious 
this incident is just another example of how cbp and ice are treating people unfairly and violently 
and with president trump rescinding that executive order on law enforcement data, it's even harder for us to get the truth about what's really going on with cbp and ice. 
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. President Trump rescinding the law on police data release is like a big ol' red flag waving in our faces. It's clear that these agencies are trying to cover their tracks and avoid accountability 
. The Intercept is doing some great work here, but we need more support to keep pushing back against this kind of intimidation 
. Can't lawmakers just take action and make sure CBP and ICE are held accountable for their actions? 
. It's not like we don't know about the issues, it's time for them to be held accountable for their actions 