They began investigating the death of Pretti, who was shot by agents.

The US Department of Justice has launched a preliminary investigation into possible civil rights violations in connection with the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, who was shot dead by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis last Saturday.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the investigation as standard procedure in cases involving the use of force and downplayed its scope, but did not rule out possible criminal charges, even though initiating them is legally challenging.

The shooting sparked outrage and forced the Donald Trump administration to ease immigration measures in Minnesota. According to local officials, the federal administration cannot be trusted, and they are conducting their own investigation.

According to preliminary findings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Pretti was shot by two agents. Video footage of the incident shows Pretti holding a cell phone when he was knocked to the ground, and shortly before the shots were fired, a police officer takes his gun away. He was in legal possession of the weapon.

The department has not yet launched a similar investigation into the case of Renee Good, who was also shot by an immigration officer this month. Blanche noted that there is no reason for criminal prosecution in this case.

(reuters, max)