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By Steve Mollman
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Retired U.S. General Mark Hertling spoke out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations on Monday after federal agents fatally shot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. Hertling appeared on MS Now's Morning Joe to discuss an article published Monday in The Bulwark entitled "ICE Is Playing Soldier, But Without the Discipline."
"It was an epiphany for me this weekend as we watched this tragedy unfold before our eyes," said Hertling, "seeing the film and then seeing people from both ICE the Department of Homeland Security lying about what happened, interspersed with the films that showed exactly what happened. And it started to hit me that, you know, ICE and DHS are neither military nor police."
He continued, "From the standpoint of a former soldier, I will tell you they are an undisciplined militia, and the leadership is awful."
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He later added, "This is not policing and it's not military service—it's something dangerously undefined."
Why It Matters
The tactics and behavior of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota have come under increasing scrutiny following the death of Pretti on Saturday. This could lead to shifts within the Trump administration, whether in the cabinet makeup or the approach to immigration enforcement. Pressure is mounting on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, who faces growing calls for her impeachment from Democrats. High-ranking Republicans have also called for full investigations into Pretti’s death and expressed misgivings about the operations.
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What to Know
Hertling, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who served as the Commanding General of United States Army Europe, wrote in his Bulwark article:
“The leadership of ICE and DHS seems to be overlooking quite a lot. There is no visible effort to rein in agents, clarify mission boundaries, or enforce standards or restraint…Instead, the top of the chain of command either deflects about what is obviously undisciplined behavior, ignores it, or mischaracterizes the events to make dangerous excesses seem defensible.”
Pretti was legally carrying a gun, but videos appeared to show that he did not pull it on federal agents. He was filming agents with his phone, which is legal, but when he attempted to help a woman whom agents had pushed, they wrestled him to the ground. Pretti was shot multiple times by the agents.
Noem later in the day cast Pretti as a domestic terrorist, saying, “Violence against a government because of ideological reasons and for reasons to resist and to perpetuate violence. That is the definition of domestic terrorism.”
Hertling said in his piece, “If this were a military operation and I were in charge, I would not hesitate to relieve senior ICE and DHS operational leaders immediately. Not for political reasons—but for failure of leadership and command.”
What People Are Saying
Senator Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said on X Saturday: "Trump’s thugs just shot and killed a man in Minneapolis. Eyewitnesses are describing it as an execution. We cannot keep living like this and people can’t keep dying like this. Stop funding DHS. Impeach Kristi Noem. Hold these agents accountable."
Senator Dave McCormick, a Pennsylvania Republican, posted on X: "As I have often said, I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws. Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota's politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others—we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts. We must enforce our laws in a way that protects the public while maintaining its trust. This gives our law enforcement officers the best chance to succeed in their difficult mission."
Senator Pete Ricketts, a Nebraska Republican, posted on X: "My support for funding ICE remains the same. Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer. It also protects our national security. But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident."
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek on Monday: "While ICE officers are facing a staggering 1,300 percent spike in assaults, too many politicians would rather defend criminals and attack the men and women who are enforcing our laws and did nothing while Joe Biden facilitated an invasion of tens of millions of illegal aliens into our country. It’s time they focus on protecting the American people, the work this Department is doing every day under Secretary Noem’s leadership."
Former Vice President Mike Pence posted on X: "In the wake of the tragic shooting that claimed the life of Alex Pretti this weekend, our prayers are with his family, the citizens of Minneapolis and local, state and federal law enforcement officers serving there. The images of this incident are deeply troubling and a full and transparent investigation of this officer involved shooting must take place immediately."
What Happens Next
Protests against DHS, ICE, and the Trump administration are expected to continue in Minnesota and across the country.
Update 1/26/26, 5:23 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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