By Holmes Lybrand, CNN
(CNN) – Hopes that the FBI would share information gathered in the investigation into Alex Pretti’s killing with state investigators in Minnesota have shattered.
Despite initial statements following a meeting with White House border czar Tom Homan, Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said in a statement Monday that the FBI informed it last week that it would not share information.
The BCA stated it received notice from the bureau on Friday.
“While this lack of cooperation is concerning and unprecedented,” state investigators said in their statement, “the BCA is committed to thorough, independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, even if hampered by a lack of access to key information and evidence.”
CNN has reached out to the FBI for comment.
State investigators mentioned they “will continue to pursue all legal avenues to gain access to relevant information and evidence.” County officials and the BCA filed a lawsuit on the same day Pretti was fatally shot by immigration agents, suing the federal government for access to investigative material in the case.
The FBI’s refusal – which breaks precedent in such investigations – aligns with the administration’s confusing handling of recent killings involving Department of Homeland Security officers and agents.
Previously, federal officials declined to share any evidence with the BCA and opted not to initiate a civil rights investigation focusing on Border Patrol officers who shot and killed Pretti. Days later, amid ongoing backlash, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche softly reversed course, stating that a civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death would be opened but that it would follow a normal federal investigation path.
“We’re looking at everything that would shed light on that day,” Blanche said last month when announcing the investigation.
“I don’t want to overstate what is happening,” he added. “I don’t want the takeaway to be there is some massive civil rights investigation. I would describe it as a standard investigation by the FBI.”
Homeland Security’s investigative agency led the probe with the FBI acting in a supportive role after Pretti’s killing. When the BCA attempted to access the scene right after Pretti was killed in January, they were blocked by federal officials.
A few days after Pretti’s death, the FBI took over but still refused to share information with the BCA.
“Minnesota needs impartial investigations into the shootings of American citizens on our streets,” Gov. Tim Walz said Monday on X. “Trump’s left hand cannot investigate his right hand. The families of the deceased deserve better.”
The lack of cooperation between federal and local state investigators extends to Renee Good’s killing and Julio Sosa-Celis’ case, who was shot in his leg by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, according to BCA’s statement.
When an ICE officer shot and killed Good, quickly cut off local Minnesota investigators from proceeding further with their inquiry. The FBI then shifted its focus towards whether Good or those around her had committed any crime against the officer instead of examining his conduct during her shooting.
The-CNN-Wire
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