Rep. Garbarino Renewed Call for DHS Oversight Hearing After Minneapolis Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In the wake of a fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, has formally renewed his call for a congressional oversight hearing to examine the actions of key Department of Homeland Security agencies. The request, made public on January 25, 2026, seeks testimony from senior officials across the Department of Homeland Security, including acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, and the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The renewed demand follows an initial invitation extended by committee staff on January 15, which Garbarino is now pressing with urgency amid growing national attention on federal immigration enforcement practices. The call comes after the tragic death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot during an operation involving federal agents in Minneapolis, sparking protests and intense debate over the role and conduct of immigration authorities.
Garbarino emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating that the hearing would provide lawmakers and the public with critical insight into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the broader operational protocols of DHS agencies. The congressman’s move underscores mounting bipartisan concern about federal immigration enforcement, especially as local and state officials grapple with the fallout from the shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees a complex network of agencies tasked with enforcing immigration laws, securing borders, and managing citizenship services. ICE, in particular, has been at the center of scrutiny for its enforcement tactics and interactions with communities. Meanwhile, CBP manages border security operations, and USCIS handles immigration benefits and citizenship applications.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that enforcement activities have increased in recent years, intensifying debates about the balance between national security and civil liberties. The Minneapolis shooting has reignited these discussions, with critics calling for reforms and greater oversight.
The incident has also drawn responses from various political figures and advocacy groups. Some have condemned the federal agents’ actions, while others have defended their conduct as necessary for law enforcement. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and public demonstrations.
Rep. Garbarino’s request for testimony aligns with his broader legislative efforts to ensure that DHS agencies operate within the bounds of the law and maintain public trust. The House Homeland Security Committee’s oversight role is critical in examining federal agency conduct and shaping policy responses.
As the nation watches developments in Minneapolis, the committee’s hearing could set important precedents for how immigration enforcement is conducted and reviewed. The hearing will also provide an opportunity for DHS leaders to address concerns directly and outline steps to prevent future tragedies.
For more information on the agencies involved, visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services official page. The unfolding situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by federal immigration authorities and the critical importance of congressional oversight in safeguarding both security and civil rights.
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