CBP policy says agents who use deadly force should be placed on administrative leave, but Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino stated agents involved in Alex Pretti's shooting remain on duty. Rep. Bennie Thompson and Sen. Rand Paul called for the shooter to be removed and for an independent investigation. Critics say the agency's response undermines accountability and public trust.
Lawmakers Demand Answers: Why Is the CBP Agent Who Shot Alex Pretti Still On Duty?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policy states that when an agent employs deadly force, "the officer/agent shall ... be placed on Administrative Leave." Yet, a day after federal immigration officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino told reporters that agents involved in the shooting remain on duty.
What Was Said
At a press briefing, a reporter asked Commander Bovino whether the agents were "working right now." Bovino replied, "All agents that were involved in that scene are working, not in Minneapolis, but in other locations."
Lawmakers Respond
"It defies common sense — and is completely inexcusable — that the agent who killed Alex Pretti Saturday is already back in the field terrorizing our communities and believing — as Greg Bovino has so wrongly asserted — that he is the victim. Clearly, no investigation took place and longstanding Department policy was completely ignored." — Rep. Bennie Thompson
Rep. Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the agent should be placed on administrative leave at minimum and called the decision a failure of accountability. Republican Sen. Rand Paul, chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, echoed the call for removal from duty and an independent investigation, noting that local police commonly place officers involved in shootings on administrative leave pending review.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino during a news conference on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis.(Brandon Bell / Getty Images)
Paul also criticized senior officials’ public characterizations of the incident, saying he could not recall a police chief immediately labeling a victim a "domestic terrorist" or "would-be assassin."
Why It Matters
Bipartisan calls for an independent inquiry center on transparency, adherence to CBP policy and public trust in federal law enforcement. There is no public indication the administration plans to remove the agent from duty, which has intensified concerns from lawmakers and community advocates seeking accountability.
The case continues to draw scrutiny as lawmakers press for an independent investigation and insist federal agencies follow their own use-of-force policies.
Help us improve.
