HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2026-01-26 Item 5C - Handout Distributed at Meeting - Draft Department of Homeland Security LetterMayor's Office - Marty Wine, City Administrator
January 26, 2026
The Honorable Patty Murray
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
RE: Department of Homeland Security Bill
Alex Pretti
Dear Senators Murray and Cantwell:
Thomas McLeod, Mayor
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.0 20510
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 Border Patrol 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
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
DHS Funding Bill
January 26, 2026
Page 2
respects the safety and rights of all members of our community. As you might be aware, the
Seattle 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
Councilmember Verna Seal
Councilmember Dennis Martinez
Councilmember Joe Torres Camacho
cc. The Honorable Adam Smith
Council President Armen Papyan
Councilmember Kate Kruller
Councilmember Hannah Hedrick
Councilmember Jane Ho
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov