MUST-SEE: Kristi Noem Reveals Moment Minneapolis Scuffle Turned Violent

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pushed back during an exchange with Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy on The Sunday Briefing, as questions mounted over the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti during a federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The interview centered on whether Border Patrol agents acted appropriately during the encounter, which sparked days of unrest and violent confrontations with federal officers.

Doocy pressed Noem repeatedly on video evidence, protester claims, and the boundaries between lawful protest and criminal conduct. Noem said the individual who was killed interfered with a federal operation, calling that action a felony under federal law.

“We do know that he came to that scene and impeded a law enforcement operation,” Noem said. “That is against federal law. It’s a felony.”

According to Noem, officers attempted to disengage from the situation, but Pretti became aggressive and resisted commands.

“When they tried to get him to disengage, he became aggressive and resisted them throughout that process,” she said. “These officers used their training, followed their protocols, and were in fear of their lives and the people around them.”

Doocy pressed Noem on video footage that appears to show an officer removing a weapon from Pretti before shots were fired.

“That’s all part of this investigation,” Noem said. “Every video will be analyzed. Everything will be looked at. If you watch that and listen to those videos, you can hear someone yelling ‘gun, gun, gun,’ and those agents and officers reacted to that.”

“We can’t have individuals that are impeding law enforcement operations and then showing up with guns and weapons and no ID and confronting law enforcement like that,” she added. “It is one of the reasons that we see situations like this unfold.”

Doocy questioned where the line exists between peaceful protest and criminal conduct, particularly for lawful gun owners attending demonstrations.

“You cannot impede a law enforcement investigation or operation,” Noem said. “When an officer tells you to back off and gives you orders, you should comply.”

“It’s also breaking the law to concealed carry in Minnesota without an ID on you,” Noem said. “You shouldn’t be laying hands on law enforcement officers and getting in their faces and trying to stop them from conducting their work.”

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Noem said multiple investigations are underway and stressed that the administration supports transparency while allowing investigators to complete their work.

According to federal officials, agents were conducting an ICE operation when Pretti allegedly approached them during a chaotic confrontation and was armed with a firearm, prompting officers to use deadly force. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that the shooting was justified based on officer safety concerns.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where protests and clashes between activists and law enforcement have been ongoing.

President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spoke by phone today amid rising tensions. Officials described the call as productive — Trump signaled he would consider reducing the ICE presence in Minnesota and work more closely with state leadership.

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