Utah Senator Calls for Accountability After Deadly Minnesota Shooting

Curtis urges DHS reforms and transparency following federal agent's fatal shooting of Alex Pretti

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Weeks after calling for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis hopes accountability is on its way. Curtis criticized the Department of Homeland Security's response, saying Secretary Kristi Noem should have called for an independent probe instead of denying wrongdoing. The senator is now pushing for 'reasonable reforms' at DHS, including revising agent training procedures and requiring officials to testify before Congress.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents has raised concerns about use of force and transparency within the Department of Homeland Security. As a senator, Curtis is seeking to rebuild public trust in the agency through reforms and oversight, drawing on principles of the 'Utah Compact' that call for both rule of law and compassion in immigration policy.

The details

In the aftermath of Pretti's death, Curtis criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for promptly denying wrongdoing by the agents involved and painting Pretti as the aggressor, despite contradictory video evidence. The senator is now urging 'reasonable reforms' at DHS, including revising training procedures for agents and requiring officials to testify before Congress. However, Curtis acknowledged the issue of agent anonymity is more nuanced, saying there have been too many instances of 'doxing' that would need to be addressed first.

  • Weeks after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, Curtis called for an independent investigation.
  • On Thursday, Curtis visited the Utah State Capitol to discuss the DHS response and push for reforms.

The players

John Curtis

A Republican senator from Utah who has been critical of the Department of Homeland Security's response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security who promptly denied wrongdoing by the agents involved in Pretti's death and painted him as the aggressor, despite contradictory video evidence.

Rand Paul

The Republican senator from Kentucky who chairs the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and is expected to take action on the Pretti shooting investigation.

Alex Pretti

The 37-year-old man who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, sparking calls for an independent investigation.

Casey Snider

The Republican majority leader in the Utah House of Representatives who argued a state bill regulating AI companies needed more work, after the White House intervened.

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What they’re saying

“That's what should have happened, and that it didn't was a big mistake, and I think will forever undermine trust that she has with the American people.”

— John Curtis, U.S. Senator (Utah News Dispatch)

“I believe that this is a false narrative that we cannot have rule of law and compassion. I think that's the Utah way. I think the Utah compact asked for rule of law and compassion, and I think we should ask for that on a national level as well.”

— John Curtis, U.S. Senator (Utah News Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.