In response to the recent fatal shooting in Minneapolis by federal agents, Senator Rand Paul, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has summoned top immigration enforcement officials for a hearing. The Kentucky Republican issued letters on Monday to Rodney Scott, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection; Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; and Todd Lyons, Acting Director of ICE, urging them to testify at the upcoming February 12 hearing.

Senator Paul emphasized the importance of oversight in his letters, stating, “The Department of Homeland Security has been provided an exceptional amount of funding to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. Congress has an obligation to conduct oversight of those tax dollars and ensure the funding is used to accomplish the mission, provide proper support for our law enforcement, and, most importantly, protect the American people.”

The request for testimony comes in the aftermath of the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents, an event that has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices. Although Senator Paul's letters did not specifically mention the incident, it is expected to be a focal point during the hearing.

This session will mark the first opportunity for senators to directly question Trump administration officials about the shooting and to delve deeper into the president’s broader immigration and Homeland Security policies.

Adding to the calls for accountability, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) also voiced his concerns. Although not a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Senator Young advocated for a “full and transparent investigation into the tragic event in Minneapolis.” He highlighted the necessity of transparency, stating, “Congress has requested testimony from ICE, CBP, and USCIS leaders in an open hearing, and they should testify soon. Providing the American people with the full facts is an important part of maintaining public trust. We also need state and local officials to better cooperate with federal enforcement efforts.”

The hearing is poised to be a crucial platform for addressing these urgent issues and evaluating the effectiveness and humanity of U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration.