When a tragedy occurs, it is natural for people to seek answers and demand accountability. This was the case when Alex Pretti, a 24-year-old man, was killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in November 2019. The incident sparked outrage and raised questions about the actions of CBP and their use of force. In response, Congress pressed CBP for a report on Pretti’s killing, and what they received was a document filled with evasive answers and a bizarre Q&A section. This report and its contents shed light on the disturbing practices of CBP and the urgent need for reform.
The report, released by CBP in February 2020, was a response to a list of questions posed by Congress regarding the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death. However, what was most concerning was that CBP had also supplied the questions themselves. This raised suspicions about the transparency and integrity of the report, as it seemed that CBP was trying to control the narrative and avoid any accountability.
The report stated that Pretti was killed after he allegedly attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally and threw rocks at CBP agents. However, this narrative has been disputed by eyewitnesses and video footage that showed Pretti standing still with his hands up before he was shot. The report also failed to mention that the agents involved in the shooting were not wearing body cameras, making it difficult to determine the exact sequence of events.
Moreover, the report’s Q&A section was filled with vague and evasive answers that did little to address the concerns raised by Congress. When asked about the use of force policies and training of CBP agents, the response was simply that they follow the Department of Homeland Security’s guidelines. This lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable, especially when it comes to the use of lethal force by law enforcement agencies.
The report also revealed that CBP has a history of using excessive force and violating the rights of individuals at the border. In the past decade, there have been at least 97 deaths linked to CBP’s use of force, yet only one agent has been indicted for excessive use of force. This raises serious questions about the agency’s culture and the lack of consequences for their actions.
The killing of Alex Pretti is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger problem within CBP. The agency has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, as well as its treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of CBP agents separating families, detaining children in inhumane conditions, and using tear gas on peaceful protesters.
It is clear that CBP needs to undergo significant reform to address these issues and prevent future tragedies. This includes implementing stricter use of force policies, providing better training for agents, and increasing transparency and accountability. Congress must also take action to hold CBP accountable and ensure that they are following proper protocols and respecting the rights of individuals at the border.
In the wake of Alex Pretti’s killing, his family and friends have been left devastated and searching for answers. They deserve to know the truth about what happened to their loved one and to see justice served. The report released by CBP only adds to their pain and frustration, as it fails to provide any real answers or accountability.
As a nation, we must demand better from our law enforcement agencies. The use of excessive force and lack of accountability cannot be tolerated, especially when it results in the loss of innocent lives. It is time for CBP to take responsibility for their actions and for Congress to take action to ensure that they do so.
In conclusion, the report on Alex Pretti’s killing and the bizarre Q&A section provided by CBP only highlights the urgent need for reform within the agency. The lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable and must be addressed. We must demand justice for Alex Pretti and all those who have been victims of CBP’s excessive use of force. It is time for our government to take action and ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals at the border are respected and protected.
