City of Tukwila leaders are urging Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell to oppose a pending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill unless it includes new accountability requirements for federal law enforcement, citing the recent fatal shooting of an intensive care nurse in Minneapolis during a DHS enforcement action.

In a Jan. 26 letter addressed to Murray and Cantwell, the Mayor and City Council asked the senators to withhold support for the bill unless it includes reforms calling for independent investigations in law enforcement related deaths, greater access for state and local investigators, public reporting on federal operations in U.S. cities, and stronger congressional oversight of DHS enforcement practices and use of force policies.

The letter cites the death of Alex Pretti, identified as a 37-year-old intensive care nurse from Minneapolis who was fatally shot by a federal agent during a DHS enforcement action in Minneapolis. The letter says the incident was captured in bystander videos, happened in broad daylight, and raised questions about the federal government’s initial narrative.

City officials also wrote that state law enforcement in Minnesota was initially denied access to investigate, prompting a federal judge to issue an order preventing DHS from destroying or altering evidence connected to the incident.

The letter says the shooting was the second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal immigration agents within a few weeks, and it argues that the events have fueled public concern and calls for independent, transparent investigations.

The letter was signed by Mayor Thomas McLeod and Council President Armen Papyan, along with councilmembers Verna Seal, Kate Kruller, Dennis Martinez, Hannah Hedrick, Joe Torres Camacho and Jane Ho. It also lists U.S. Rep. Adam Smith on the courtesy copy line.

Tukwila leaders wrote that the Seattle Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security is located in Tukwila, which they said could make the city “a possible focal point for any future encounters between community members and federal authorities.”

Full Text of Letter

Here’s full text of the letter:

“City of Tukwila
Mayor’s Office Marty Wine, City Administrator
Thomas McLeod, Mayor

January 26, 2026

The Honorable Patty Murray
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Maria Cantwell
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

RE: Department of Homeland Security Bill
Alex Pretti

Dear Senators Murray and Cantwell:

We write today to express our support for your leadership in standing up for public safety, transparency, and accountability in federal law enforcement. We urge you not to support the current DHS funding bill pending before the Senate unless it includes meaningful federal law enforcement accountability reforms to ensure that:

1. Independent and transparent investigations are conducted in all law enforcement involved deaths, particularly when federal agents are involved in domestic operations.
2. State and local authorities are afforded full access to evidence and cooperation in investigations.
3. Public reporting requirements are established when federal operations are conducted in American cities.
4. Congress conducts robust oversight of DHS enforcement practices and use of force policies.

This past weekend, Alex Pretti, a 37 year old intensive care nurse from Minneapolis, was fatally shot by a federal agent during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforcement action in Minneapolis. His death, captured in multiple bystander videos and widely reported, occurred in broad daylight, and the available footage and witness accounts raise serious questions about the federal government’s initial narrative. State law enforcement authorities in Minnesota were initially denied access to investigate the scene, prompting a federal judge to issue an order preventing the Department of Homeland Security from destroying or altering evidence connected to the incident.

This tragic incident is the second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal immigration agents within a few weeks, and it has ignited widespread public concern and calls for independent, transparent investigations. Many constituents believe these events reflect systemic issues with federal enforcement operations and accountability mechanisms.

The suggested reforms to the DHS bill outlined in this letter are necessary to maintain public trust and to ensure that federal law enforcement operates within constitutional bounds and respects the safety and rights of all members of our community. As you might be aware, the Seattle Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security is located in the City of Tukwila which makes Tukwila a possible focal point for any future encounters between community members and federal authorities.

Thank you for your commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety in the nation.

Sincerely,

Mayor Thomas McLeod
Council President Armen Papyan

Councilmember Verna Seal
Councilmember Kate Kruller

Councilmember Dennis Martinez
Councilmember Hannah Hedrick

Councilmember Joe Torres Camacho
Councilmember Jane Ho

cc. The Honorable Adam Smith”