DHS Rips The Doxing Of Agents Involved In Alex Pretti Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security issued a pointed warning Monday urging the public and media organizations to refrain from publishing personal identifying information connected to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, citing serious safety concerns and the risk of undermining an active investigation.
According to DHS officials, circulating personal details such as home addresses, phone numbers, or other identifying information can expose individuals to harassment, threats, and criminal retaliation. The department stressed that law-enforcement agencies involved in the case are working to release verified information through official and appropriate channels.
“DHS will never confirm or deny attempts to dox our law enforcement officers,” a spokesperson told Newsmax, responding to a report claiming the identities of the two Customs and Border Protection agents involved in the shooting had been uncovered.
“Doxing our officers put their lives and their families in serious danger.”
The warning followed reporting by ProPublica, a left-leaning outlet, which claimed it reviewed federal records identifying two agents — ages 43 and 35 — from South Texas who were allegedly involved in the Jan. 24 shooting of Pretti, 37. Newsmax stated it could not independently verify those names and declined to publish them.
In a strongly worded statement, DHS condemned what it described as a growing pattern of hostility toward federal officers fueled by political rhetoric.
“Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists,” the DHS statement said. “Now, thanks to the malicious rhetoric of sanctuary politicians, they are under constant threat from violent agitators.
“They are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them. Publicizing their identities puts their lives and the lives of their families at serious risk.
“This matter remains under investigation,” the department added.
The department’s warning comes as national attention remains fixed on the Minneapolis incident, in which federal officers fatally shot Pretti during an immigration-related enforcement action. Video of the encounter spread rapidly online, fueling political debate, media speculation, and protests.
DHS officials emphasized that “doxing” anyone associated with the incident — including law-enforcement officers, private citizens, or bystanders — can compromise both investigative integrity and legal proceedings. The department urged journalists and the public to rely on confirmed information from credible sources rather than amplifying unverified claims or personal data.
Federal officials also noted that unauthorized disclosure of personal information has previously resulted in targeted harassment and threats against officers and their families, underscoring the need for restraint during sensitive investigations.
Meanwhile, the shooting has become a flashpoint in broader political disputes over immigration enforcement. Senate Democrats triggered a government shutdown over the weekend after pushing legislation that would require federal immigration officers to display visible identification during enforcement actions, arguing that masked agents undermine public trust.
President Donald Trump and the White House have firmly rejected those claims and are standing behind Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid calls from Democrats for her resignation.
“I think she’s doing a very good job,” Trump told reporters last week. “The border is totally secure. You forget, we had a border that I inherited where millions of people were coming through. Now, we have a border where no one is coming through.”
Administration officials confirmed that President Trump personally assured Noem of his full confidence during a phone call ahead of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.
Federal and local authorities continue to review body-camera footage and other evidence related to the shooting. Officials said additional information will be released through official statements as investigations progress.