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Governor Kathy Hochul has called for the immediate resignation of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, describing the incidents as part of a "deliberate pattern of violence."
During a press conference on Thursday (January 30), Governor Hochul delivered a scathing rebuke of federal immigration enforcement actions that have resulted in two deaths this month in Minneapolis. The governor's comments came after she read a prepared statement on Sunday denouncing the violence associated with the federal government's immigration enforcement operations.
"The federal government claims the killing was justified. This nurse with nothing more than his cell phone in his hand, that he was trying to kill them — that's their story," Hochul said, referring to the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse. "But anyone who's seen this horrific video, multiple videos, knows that this is a shameless, boldface lie."
According to reports, Pretti was shot to death by federal agents after they forced him onto the sidewalk and removed his legal weapon. This marked the second fatal shooting by federal agents during their Minnesota operation.
Governor Hochul described the actions of federal agents as cruelty that "shocks the conscience of every human being with a heart." While she stopped short of calling for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), she emphasized the need for substantial reform and retraining of the agency.
The governor also issued a warning that New York and other states would take action against federal officials once they leave office. "Make no mistake – when these people who have abused the power entrusted to them by their offices are finally out of power, states, including New York, will hold them accountable," she stated.
Governor Hochul is reportedly preparing legislation aimed at protecting immigrant communities in New York State, with details expected to be announced in the coming days.