LGBTQ+ pols, horrified by latest killing, say Homeland Security and ICE must be reined in

LGBTQ+ elected officials condemn the killing of a Minneapolis man by a federal agent Saturday morning and call for defunding the Department of Homeland Security or some of its constituent agencies.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by a Customs and Border Patrol agent while apparently trying to protect another protester. DHS, which includes CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, claimed Pretti threatened agents with a gun, but the video only shows a phone in one hand and nothing in the other, even though he was in possession of a gun (with a valid license). Pretti was a nurse in the intensive care unit of a Veterans Administration hospital.

Massive protests have taken place in Minneapolis since the killing of Renée Nicole Good by an ICE officer on January 7. DHS also claimed the man who killed her acted in self-defense, saying Good rammed him with her car, but the video shows her walking away from the agent.

Related: We’ve all seen the video. Do Kristi Noem and the Mainstream Media Think We’re Stupid?

There has been a heavy presence of ICE and CBP agents in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota in recent weeks, ostensibly to weed out undocumented immigrants. Many of those commenting on Saturday’s situation mention ICE, which has been criticized as brutal, even though it was apparently a CBP agent who shot Pretti.

Here is a sample of the reactions of our political leaders. All are Democrats.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin on

The Senate is expected to vote soon on funding for DHS, which has already been approved by the House with majority Republican support. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Saturday that Democrats would not provide the votes needed to advance the funding bill. He needs 60 votes before proceeding to the final vote, where only a simple majority is needed.

From the United States House of Representatives:

Delaware’s Sarah McBride on

Vermont’s Becca Balint on

Minnesota’s Angie Craig on Facebook: “The Senate is set to vote on funding for DHS next week and Republicans can’t pass it without Democratic support. Now is the time for Senate Democrats to stay the course and defund this lawless agency. Enough.”

Emily Randall of Washington State on Facebook: “Lawless DHS agents are out of control. They’re murdering people in the streets, detaining children on their way home from school, and terrorizing our communities. That’s why I voted FUCK NO on the DHS funding plan. Secretary Noem must be impeached. We must stop this fascist takeover.”

Julie Johnson of Texas on

California’s Mark Takano on

California’s Robert Garcia on

Wisconsin’s Mark Pocan on X: ICE just murdered another person in Minnesota this morning. This wannabe Gestapo has no goals and must be suspended immediately!

Illinois’ Eric Sorensen on X: “What happened this morning was murder. And I demand it be called that.”

New Hampshire’s Chris Pappas on Facebook: “Another senseless tragedy is unfolding today in Minneapolis. As we wait for more information, it is clear that the federal government cannot continue to obstruct local law enforcement, erode trust, and put communities at risk. ICE is out of control and we must be held accountable now.”

Governor Jared Polis of Colorado released this statement on X:

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts on Facebook: “Stop it. Enough is enough. President Trump and Kristi Noem must recall the ICE agents. We stand with the people of Minnesota. President Trump must listen to Governor Walz and end this operation now.”

Gov. Tina Kotek of Oregon at a news conference: “We’re going to continue to see violent interactions, regardless of the details, because of the federal government’s escalation. And they need to remove the agents that are there, work with the local government, and resolve and deescalate the situation.” Portland, Oregon’s largest city, also saw a heavy presence of federal agents.

Related: Federal immigration agents shoot two more people, this time in Oregon

This article originally appeared on Advocate: LGBTQ+ Poles, horrified by latest killing, say Homeland Security, ICE must be reined in