The recent killing of Alex Pretti, a 24-year-old man from Mexico, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the actions of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As Congress pressed CBP for a report on Pretti’s death, the agency’s response has only added to the confusion and frustration surrounding this tragic incident.
On May 20, 2021, Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a CBP officer at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in California. According to CBP, Pretti was attempting to enter the U.S. illegally and refused to comply with the officer’s commands. However, the details of what exactly happened that day are still unclear and have been met with skepticism from both Congress and the public.
In response to Congress’ request for a report on Pretti’s killing, CBP provided a list of questions and answers, which only added to the confusion and raised more questions. The agency’s report, which was obtained by The Intercept, sheds light on the events leading up to Pretti’s death, but also raises concerns about CBP’s use of force and lack of transparency.
One of the most concerning aspects of CBP’s report is the fact that the agency supplied the questions itself. This raises questions about the objectivity and credibility of the report, as CBP essentially had control over what information was included and how it was presented. This lack of transparency only adds to the already existing mistrust towards CBP and its actions.
The report also reveals that CBP officers were not wearing body cameras at the time of the incident, which is a major concern considering the use of force involved. Body cameras have become a crucial tool in holding law enforcement accountable and providing transparency in cases of excessive force. The fact that CBP officers were not equipped with body cameras raises serious questions about the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the report states that Pretti was shot multiple times, including in the back. This raises questions about the level of force used by the CBP officer and whether it was necessary. The use of deadly force should always be a last resort, and it is concerning that CBP officers did not attempt to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force.
In addition to the questions raised by the report, there are also concerns about the treatment of Pretti’s body after he was killed. The report states that CBP officers dragged Pretti’s body across the border and left it on the Mexican side. This lack of respect for human life is deeply troubling and raises questions about the culture within CBP.
The death of Alex Pretti is a tragic and unnecessary loss of life. It is also a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies, especially when it comes to the use of force. The fact that CBP supplied the questions for its own report and did not have body cameras raises serious concerns about the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It is imperative that Congress continues to press CBP for answers and holds the agency accountable for its actions. The public deserves to know the truth about what happened to Alex Pretti and what steps CBP is taking to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the report on Alex Pretti’s killing and the bizarre Q&A provided by CBP only adds to the confusion and raises more questions about the agency’s actions. It is crucial that Congress and the public continue to demand transparency and accountability from CBP to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again. The death of Alex Pretti should not be in vain, and it is our responsibility to seek justice for him and his family.
