American College of Trial Lawyers Calls for Independent and Transparent Review of Federal Law Enforcement Actions in Minnesota

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA (January 26, 2026) – The American College of Trial Lawyers expresses its deep concerns over recent events in Minnesota, including the tragic shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal law enforcement officers. We are concerned about the implications for the Rule of Law, specifically about whether federal officers followed the Rule of Law during their encounters with Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti. We are also concerned by statements from the Secretary of Homeland Security and other federal officials immediately declaring the shootings to be justified under the law, and labeling those killed as “domestic terrorists” – even before any credible investigation had been conducted.

We call for a full, independent and transparent investigation about what transpired in connection with these shootings, including whether federal law enforcement agencies followed the law as they are required to do. Such an investigation would of necessity look at the conduct of the protestors as well, to determine if the shootings were justified under the law.

We also urge federal, state and local governmental officials to exercise caution in their public statements. The public is entitled to information that is accurate and presented with appropriate restraint. In officer-involved shootings or other physical interaction with citizens, which often unfold in seconds, the whole truth is often not readily available in the minutes or hours after the event. Video needs to be reviewed, witness and participant statements must be obtained, and other investigation needs to be completed. In such cases, the country is best served when governmental agencies and their leaders limit their public statements to facts, not accusations or conclusions, until an independent, credible and transparent investigation is completed. Doing so will protect the Rule of Law, help restore faith in our government, and reduce the chance of further inflaming citizens.

Finally, we urge citizens to understand that ICE and other government officials involved in immigration activities have a right to do so free of physical interference by others. While citizens have a constitutional right to peacefully protest the decisions and acts of ICE and other government officials, they are urged not to physically interfere with their work and instead, allow Congress to perform the oversight required of it and the judicial system to fulfill its role when it is called upon to review the actions of federal officers.

To download the full statement, click here.