Democratic DAs Form 'FAFO' Coalition to Coordinate Accountability After Alex Pretti Shooting

Under a climate of heightened distrust toward federal immigration enforcement, a coalition of Democratic district attorneys has launched the Fight Against Federal Overreach (FAFO) to coordinate state- and local-level accountability efforts after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.

DOJ Decision and Reaction

MS NOW reported that the Justice Department will not open an immediate civil‑rights investigation into Pretti’s death, saying it 'may' open a probe at a later date if evidence warrants it. The decision—and broader questions about federal transparency—helped spur the new coalition.

DHS, Local Investigations, and Reporters' Findings

Reporters covering the story have said the Department of Homeland Security is effectively overseeing portions of its own review by using an internal DHS component to lead inquiries. Those reports also contend that federal actions at times hindered local investigators, including instances where local officials say they were prevented from accessing the scene despite having warrants.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner speaks in Philadelphia, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)(Matt Rourke / AP Photo)

What FAFO Is And Who Joined

The newly formed FAFO coalition brings together elected prosecutors from Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arizona and Virginia. According to the coalition's release, members will share strategies and best practices, provide public updates about efforts to rein in unlawful federal conduct, educate the public on legal pathways, and coordinate cross‑jurisdictional accountability work.

Strong Words From Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner

No agency and no officer is above the law. When federal agents exceed their lawful authority, local prosecutors have both the power and the duty to act. The project exists to ensure that accountability is real, coordinated, and enforced through lawful institutions.

At a news conference, Krasner denounced abusive immigration officials with blunt language—calling them 'wannabe Nazis'—and vowed sustained, constitutionally grounded efforts to secure accountability. He said, in part, that prosecutors will pursue justice within the rule of law even if it requires extensive investigative work.

Why This Matters

The coalition signals that state and local prosecutors are preparing to use their authority to investigate alleged federal misconduct when federal probes are absent or delayed. Legal experts note prosecuting federal officers can be complex and difficult, but the coalition intends to build coordinated, legally sustainable cases where possible.

Note: This article includes direct quotes and reported claims from media coverage and public statements. The DOJ has not opened an immediate civil‑rights probe into the Pretti shooting; the investigation status could change if new evidence emerges.