Senate Hearing Examines Federal Immigration Tactics Amid Public Outcry

Fri Feb 13 2026 02:33:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senator Rand Paul confronts federal immigration chiefs over the shooting of Alex Pretti during a Senate hearing, highlighting concerns about excessive force and loss of public trust.

During a tense Senate hearing, Senator Rand Paul assessed the controversial actions of Border Patrol officers involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti. With an emphasis on the need for accountability and reform, Paul criticized the tactics employed by immigration officials, suggesting that they have contributed to a breakdown of public trust. Other lawmakers joined the debate, questioning the use of administrative warrants and excessive force in immigration enforcement, as protests continue to grow following recent incidents.

WASHINGTON — The Senate hearing held to examine President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics turned confrontational as Senator Rand Paul challenged the actions of federal officers. This scrutiny comes on the heels of the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, prompting questions about the excessive use of force by Border Patrol officers during recent protests.

Senator Paul illustrated his points with video footage of the shooting, arguing that Pretti posed no immediate threat. He is retreating at every moment, Paul asserted, as the video depicted the fierce tactics involved that resulted in Pretti's death.

Among the officials present were Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Rodney Scott, head of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Paul’s criticism was echoed by other lawmakers who challenged the justification for the aggressive policies enacted under Trump’s administration.

“The public trust has been lost. To restore trust in ICE and Border Patrol, they must admit their mistakes,” Paul urged, advocating for transparency regarding rules of engagement and a commitment to reform.

While Paul’s sentiments were largely met with agreement from Democrats, some Republican senators remained reticent to publicly critique the agencies, emphasizing instead the threats officers face while enforcing immigration laws.

CBP's Scott refuted claims that Pretti was non-compliant during the encounter, while Lyons defended the recent tactics taken by the agencies, indicating that 37 investigations into excessive force have been opened since Trump's presidency began.

As discussions about the shooting of Pretti and others continue, unrest regarding ICE’s enforcement strategies prompts a closer look at the agency's practices under increased public scrutiny.