Here Are The Republicans Questioning ICE In Minnesota

A growing number of Republican lawmakers are questioning the continued federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.

In the days after Pretti’s death, and the release of additional video footage, several Republicans have called for a deeper investigation into the shooting.

Republican House Homeland Security Committee Chairman and New York Rep. Andrew Garbarino formally requested that leaders from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) testify before the committee, renewing calls for oversight and accountability of federal immigration agencies. (RELATED: Pro-Kamala Group Goes Dark After Getting Caught Fundraising Off Alex Pretti’s Death)

Republican Washington Rep. Michael Baumgartner praised Garbarino’s move, writing in post on X that it’s important “the American people and Congress be given a better understanding of how immigration enforcement is being handled.”

House Oversight GOP Chairman James Comer further suggested in an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” that President Donald Trump should consider repositioning federal agents if tensions escalate.

“If I were President Trump, I would almost think about, OK, if the mayor and governor are going put our ICE officials in harm’s way and there’s a chance of losing more innocent lives, or whatever, then maybe go to another city and let the people of Minneapolis decide: Do we want to continue to have all of these illegals?” Comer added that he expected Minnesotans to “rebel against their leadership.”

Today, exclusively on @SundayFutures with @MariaBartiromo, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer @RepJamesComer spoke about the investigation into the Minnesota shooting. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/L8qtgZqhjM

— SundayMorningFutures (@SundayFutures) January 25, 2026

Comer received praise from Trump on Truth Social, who called the chairman “GREAT” in his interview with host Maria Bartiromo, adding that Comer “said it all concerning Minnesota,” among other topics.

Other GOP lawmakers including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis called for independent probes into the shooting, with Cassidy arguing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) credibility are “at stake.”

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul called on the directors of ICE, CBP and USCIS to testify before the Homeland Security Committee in a Monday X post.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Sunday in a post on X that “ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”

The Alaska senator stressed that even the lawful possession of a firearm should not be used to justify the use of lethal force by federal agents.

“Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American — especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” she stated. (RELATED: Minnesota’s AG Previously Joined Other Blue States Arguing Against Right To Bear Arms At Political Rallies, Protests)

Murkowski’s comments underscore growing unease among some lawmakers about how the Minneapolis shooting was handled.

While some Republicans speaking out, like Tillis, are retiring and others, like Murkowski, have been at odds with former President Trump, not all fit that pattern.

South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, who is running in the South Dakota gubernatorial primary, urged all parties to “deescalate,” writing on X, “As with any officer-involved shooting, this demands a thorough investigation.”

Politicians, protesters, and law enforcement all have an obligation to deescalate the situation in Minnesota. As with any officer-involved shooting, this demands a thorough investigation.

— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) January 25, 2026

Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told CNN’s “State of the Union” that the Minneapolis shooting was “a real tragedy,” arguing that Trump needs to clarify the “end game” of his immigration strategy.

“Nobody likes the feds coming to their states,” Stitt said, questioning the broader goals of the federal response. “And so what is the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non‑U.S. citizen? I don’t think that’s what Americans want.”

Stitt further noted that, “Right now, tempers are just going crazy and we need to calm this down.”

Most House Republicans have either remained silent or expressed support for the Trump administration’s defense of federal agents.

House Majority Leader and Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise told CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday that “you are not allowed to carry a gun while committing another crime and interfering with law enforcement is a felony.” (RELATED: Trump Sends Tom Homan To Minnesota Amidst Anti-ICE Mayhem)

This is a positive development — one that I hope leads to turning down the temperature and restoring order in Minnesota.

I encourage local officials in Minnesota to work with the administration to keep communities safe and continue the important work of enforcing our laws and… https://t.co/gN23xjbEOB

— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) January 26, 2026

The fallout from the shooting and the ensuing backlash from Democrats has complicated negotiations on a major government funding package that the Senate was expected to pass in January, with some lawmakers now threatening to block or reshape the bill unless homeland security funding is addressed.