Republicans Demand DHS Accountability After Alex Pretti Shooting

February 9, 2026 Emma Walker – News Editor News

After lockstep unity on immigration for the first year of Trump 2.0, a growing number of Republican lawmakers are calling for investigations and testimony from top Trump officials after the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti.

Why it matters: The dam is breaking, with Republicans more directly questioning the administration — including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — for it’s handling of the tragedy in Minnesota.

  • “I disagree with noem’s premature DHS response, which came before all the facts were known and weakened confidence,” Sen.John Curtis (R-Utah) posted on X on Monday.

Driving the news: Noem is expected to testify for an oversight hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3,Chair Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) office confirmed.

  • The GOP chairs of Homeland Security committees in both chambers have also called on top DHS officials to testify in upcoming hearings.
  • “Today, I call on the heads of ICE, CBP, and USCIS to testify before the Homeland Security Committee,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) posted Monday afternoon, along with screenshots of his requests.

What they’re saying: “I am deeply troubled by the shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents,” Sen.jerry Moran (R-Kan.) posted on Monday.

  • “Our Constitution provides citizens protection from the government. We have a right to free speech, to peaceably assemble and to bear arms,” Moran continued.
  • “I would encourage the administration to be more measured, to recognize the tragedy, and to say, we don’t want anyone’s lives to be lost,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told birenbaum.