The recent killing of Alex Pretti, a 24-year-old man from Mexico, has sparked outrage and raised 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 the incident.
On May 20, 2021, Alex Pretti was shot and killed by CBP agents near the San Ysidro Port of Entry in California. According to CBP, Pretti was attempting to cross the border illegally and was armed with a knife. However, witnesses and family members have disputed this claim, stating that Pretti was unarmed and was simply trying to seek asylum in the United States.
In the wake of Pretti’s death, Congress demanded answers from CBP regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. In response, CBP provided a report that included a list of questions and answers. However, what was supposed to shed light on the incident has only raised more questions and concerns.
The report, which was obtained by The Intercept, reveals a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability within CBP. Not only did the agency provide the answers to the questions posed by Congress, but it also supplied the questions itself. This raises serious doubts about the objectivity and credibility of the report.
One of the most concerning aspects of the report is the lack of information about the CBP agents involved in the shooting. The report only identifies them as “Agent 1” and “Agent 2” and provides no further details about their backgrounds or previous incidents. This lack of transparency is alarming, especially considering the use of deadly force by these agents.
Furthermore, the report fails to address the conflicting accounts of witnesses and family members. It simply states that Pretti was armed with a knife and refused to comply with the agents’ commands. This one-sided narrative raises doubts about the accuracy of CBP’s version of events.
The report also fails to provide any details about the training and protocols followed by CBP agents in situations like this. It is crucial for the public to understand the procedures and guidelines that CBP agents are expected to follow when using deadly force. Without this information, it is impossible to determine if the agents acted appropriately in this situation.
Moreover, the report does not address the larger issue of excessive use of force by CBP agents. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been numerous cases of CBP agents using excessive force against migrants and asylum seekers. The lack of accountability and transparency within the agency only perpetuates this problem.
In light of these concerns, it is clear that CBP’s report on Alex Pretti’s killing is inadequate and raises more questions than it answers. It is unacceptable that a government agency tasked with protecting the border and its citizens is not held accountable for its actions.
It is time for Congress to demand more transparency and accountability from CBP. The agency must be held to a higher standard and must provide a thorough and unbiased report on the incident. The use of deadly force by CBP agents must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible for any wrongdoing must be held accountable.
Furthermore, it is crucial for CBP to review and revise its training and protocols to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again. The agency must prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
In conclusion, the report on Alex Pretti’s killing by CBP is a clear indication of the need for reform within the agency. It is time for Congress to take action and demand accountability from CBP. The lives of migrants and asylum seekers are at stake, and it is the responsibility of our government to protect them. Let us not forget the tragic death of Alex Pretti and use it as a catalyst for change within CBP.
