A Reuters review finds Trump administration immigration officials' statements on violent encounters, including fatal shootings, were contradicted by video and evidence.
Videos, Documents Contradict DHS Accounts of Fatal Shootings (Image: File)
WASHINGTON, January 29 — Statements by top U.S. immigration officials following violent encounters, including two fatal shootings of citizens this month, have been repeatedly contradicted by video and other evidence, a Reuters review has found. The pattern across six incidents shows officials rushed to defend agents' actions before key facts emerged, a departure from past practice that has fueled public doubts about their credibility and willingness to fully investigate.
The examination identified six violent encounters from recent months where initial official narratives were later challenged. In each case, statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or other Trump administration officials painted federal agents as justified or acting in self-defense. Subsequent evidence—including video footage, court documents, and medical examiner reports—presented starkly different accounts, revealing a pattern of premature defense without awaiting investigations.
DHS stated that Alex Pretti "approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun" and violently resisted disarming. White House aide Stephen Miller called Pretti a "domestic terrorist." Video verified by Reuters showed Pretti holding a cell phone, not a gun, as agents wrestled him. Evidence showed an officer removed Pretti's legally permitted gun from his body before firing shots. DHS later stated Pretti "committed a federal crime while armed" and called the situation "evolving."
DHS labeled Renee Good a "violent rioter" who "weaponized her vehicle" in an "act of domestic terrorism," claiming an officer saved lives by shooting her. President Trump said she "ran over the ICE officer." Multiple videos show Good's car partly blocking a street as agents approached. Her car moved forward with wheels turned away from Agent Jonathan Ross, who fired three shots as the vehicle went past him. Reuters could not conclusively determine if the car struck Ross.
Minnesota Wrong-Person Chase: DHS said officers conducted a "targeted traffic stop" for immigrant Julio Sosa-Celis, who then assaulted an officer, prompting a "defensive shot." An FBI affidavit said agents scanned the wrong license plate, chased the wrong driver, and the officer shot Sosa-Celis from 10 feet away as he was fleeing.
Detention Center Death: ICE initially said Cuban immigrant Geraldo Lunas Campos died of "medical distress." After a Washington Post report, DHS said he attempted suicide and resisted guards. The county medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by asphyxia due to "neck and chest compression."
Chicago Protests: A federal judge cited "widespread misrepresentations" by agents. DHS claimed a commander was hit in the head by a rock before using tear gas; the commander later testified in court the rock "did almost hit me" but did not strike him when he deployed gas.
Dropped Case: DHS claimed U.S. citizen Marimar Martinez was "armed with a semi-automatic weapon," forcing agents to fire "defensive shots." Her lawyer said bodycam footage contradicted this, showing her gun remained in her purse. Prosecutors later dismissed all charges against her.
A: The review analyzed six separate violent encounters involving federal immigration agents over recent months.
A: In every instance, immigration or White House officials promptly issued public statements supporting the agents’ actions, later challenged by video evidence, documents, or formal official findings.
A: DHS has generally stood by its officers' actions, citing evolving situations or not commenting on specific new evidence. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump "wants to let the investigation continue and let the facts lead."
A: In one case, a federal judge restricted agents' use of force, citing official "misrepresentations." In another, the government dropped all charges against a shot citizen after evidence contradicted the official story.
