A new Quinnipiac University poll finds most Americans skeptical of the Trump administration’s account of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last month. Roughly six in ten voters said the administration has not provided an honest explanation.
According to Daljoog News analysis, the findings highlight deepening partisan divides over immigration enforcement and growing demands for accountability at federal law enforcement agencies.
The survey also reflects broader concerns about ICE operations and treatment of migrants, as well as calls for independent investigations and reforms in response to Pretti’s death.
What Happened
Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis resident, was shot and killed by federal agents last month in an incident that immediately drew national attention. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” while Border Patrol officials claimed he posed a lethal threat. President Trump described him as an “agitator, and perhaps, insurrectionist.”
Video footage, however, appears to contradict those claims, showing Pretti holding a cellphone before being pepper-sprayed and pushed to the ground. Agents then confiscated his legally carried firearm moments before shots were fired.
The Quinnipiac poll found that more than three-quarters of voters had seen the video, influencing perceptions of whether the shooting was justified. Only 6 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of Republicans said they believed the shooting was justified.
Why This Matters
Pretti’s shooting has reignited debate over ICE operations and federal immigration enforcement. Fifty-nine percent of voters surveyed said the incident reflects systemic issues in ICE, not isolated events. Six in ten also said the Trump administration is too harsh on migrants without legal status.
Daljoog News notes that the case has intensified scrutiny on Noem and the Department of Homeland Security, with 58 percent of respondents supporting her removal, even as she attempts to clarify her initial remarks.
What Analysts or Officials Are Saying
The poll underscores bipartisan calls for accountability. Eight in ten voters said an independent investigation into the shooting is necessary. There is also broad support for reforms, with 92 percent of respondents backing mandatory body cameras for federal agents and 61 percent opposing the use of masks or face coverings by ICE personnel.
Trump administration officials, including border czar Tom Homan, have sought to maintain operations in Minnesota, but 60 percent of respondents said ICE should withdraw from the state, revealing public unease with continued enforcement actions in the region.
Daljoog News Analysis
Daljoog News observes that the Pretti case has exposed persistent tensions between aggressive federal immigration enforcement and public trust. The political fallout is compounded by partisan polarization, video evidence that challenges official narratives, and growing calls for systemic reforms.
The survey results suggest that while ICE operations remain politically sensitive, there is a strong public consensus that accountability and oversight measures, including body cameras, are necessary to restore credibility.
What Happens Next
Federal authorities may face increased pressure to conduct an independent investigation into Pretti’s death. DHS leadership, particularly Noem, could see intensified scrutiny, with calls for resignation or removal likely to continue.