The hosts of MS NOW’s Morning Joe expressed sharp criticism of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, accusing the agency of disseminating false or misleading narratives regarding the deaths of Americans in Minneapolis. Joe Scarborough, one of the show’s hosts, specifically targeted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and fellow senior officials, claiming they were “making s–t up” in their public statements about the victims of a recent federal immigration operation.
Scarborough described the current situation as “Orwellian,” highlighting a disconnect between the reality of Americans being violently confronted by officials and the false claims being issued by DHS representatives. Referencing the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom were killed during confrontations involving ICE agents, he pointed out the stark discrepancies between the governmental narrative and eyewitness accounts. Scarborough recounted Good’s final words—“I’m not mad at you”—before her death, asserting that DHS had rapidly spread false claims about her death without understanding the facts.
The killings of Good and Pretti have ignited significant public outrage and protests, as many argue that federal immigration tactics have become increasingly aggressive. Good was initially portrayed by DHS officials as having attempted to run over agents with her vehicle, a claim that eyewitnesses and video evidence do not support. Similarly, Pretti was described by Noem as a “domestic terrorist” who allegedly brandished a firearm at ICE agents, when multiple videos show him only holding a cellphone when he was shot.
The backlash against DHS has even prompted some Republicans to distance themselves from the agency, criticizing the handling of these cases. Vermont Governor Phil Scott condemned the killings as “murder,” characterizing them as symptomatic of a failure of law enforcement practices, while Senator Lisa Murkowski raised “serious questions” about immigration enforcement methods. Senator Bill Cassidy described Pretti’s death as “incredibly disturbing” and called for a thorough, independent investigation.
In light of these incidents, the family of Alex Pretti has expressed profound anger at the federal narrative surrounding his death, asserting that he was attempting to help others when he was shot. As the nation grapples with these tragic events, calls for accountability and transparency have become more pronounced, reflecting a growing demand for responsible practices within immigration enforcement.
The situation ultimately highlights the pressing need for a careful examination of federal policies and their implications for citizens, leaving many to hope for progress in the pursuit of justice and truth. This moment serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency in government actions and the protection of the public.