The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning Monday, urging the public and media outlets not to publish personal identifying information in connection with the Alex Pretti shooting incident in Minneapolis, following concerns that the widespread dissemination of such data could put individuals at risk or interfere with ongoing investigations.
DHS officials said the release or circulation of personal information — including home addresses, phone numbers or other identifying details — can expose individuals to harassment, threats or criminal activity. The department emphasized that law-enforcement agencies involved in the case are working to ensure accurate information is released through official channels.
“DHS will never confirm or deny attempts to dox our law enforcement officers,” a spokesperson told Newsmax, following a report claiming to have identified the two CBP agents who fired on Pretti during a violent tussle on a Minneapolis street.
“Doxing our officers put their lives and their families in serious danger.”
ProPublica, a left-leaning news outlet, reported that it has seen federal records identifying two agents, aged 43 and 35, from South Texas who were involved in the shooting of Pretti, 37. Newsmax could not independently verify the names mentioned and is choosing not to disclose them.
“Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists,” the DHS statement added. “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 warning comes amid intense public interest in the case after federal officers fatally shot Pretti on Jan. 24 during an enforcement action related to immigration operations. Video of the confrontation circulated widely online, prompting debate and increased coverage from news outlets and social media users.
In its statement, DHS said that sharing or “doxing” individuals connected to the incident — including private citizens, law-enforcement personnel or bystanders — can hinder investigative and legal processes. The department encouraged journalists and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and refrain from posting unauthorized personal data.
DHS representatives also highlighted efforts to protect the safety and privacy of law-enforcement officers, their families and other individuals involved in sensitive cases, noting that unauthorized release of personal information has previously led to threats and targeted harassment.
Pretti’s death has drawn national attention and sparked protests and political debate over federal enforcement tactics and accountability. Authorities are continuing to review body-camera footage and other evidence as part of ongoing inquiries into the incident.
Federal and local officials have not yet released the full findings of those investigations. Law-enforcement spokespeople said they will provide updates through official statements as more information becomes available.
Senate Democrats instigated a government shutdown this weekend by pushing for legislation that mandates federal immigration officers to display visible identification during enforcement operations. They argue that masked agents without clear name tags diminish accountability and public trust.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and the White House are strongly defending Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as Democrats intensify their calls for her removal over the handling of recent immigration enforcement operations and fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
“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 Trump personally assured Noem of his full confidence during a phone call ahead of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.
