Newsom Calls On Californians To Know Their Rights, Report Misconduct After 2nd Fatal Shooting By ICE

Gov. Gavin Newsom urged Californians to know their rights, stay safe and report potential misconduct by immigration officers in the hours after a second recent death of an American citizen by a federal agent.

"When federal agents are used to intimidate and kill civilians, when people’s rights under the Constitution are treated as optional, that’s not strength—that’s authoritarianism," Newsom wrote on Saturday just hours after the shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

The governor unveiled a new online portal where residents can report any perceived unlawful activity by federal agents and officers in the state during the Trump administration's deportation operations.

The portal allows the public to submit video and photos to help create a paper trail of illegal conduct by ICE agents that could later support legal actions taken by the state. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress is also urged to call 911.

"Keep a safe distance and be mindful that you may encounter federal agents who are angry, inexperienced, improperly vetted, and untrained on how to do their job safely, including interacting with demonstrators or large crowds," a Saturday memo from the governor's office reads.

Newsom's office also issued a "Know Your Rights" fact sheet for residents who witness an immigration arrest. According to the sheet, those witnessing an arrest can record from a safe distance, ask the person being detained for their name and contact information, ask if the detainee needs help with property left behind and contact a local rapid response network to report the incident and share documentation.

Witnesses are urged not to block the arrest, get physically close to agents or ask about immigration status, country of origin, or personal details like address or employer.

The sheet also offers how to recognize federal immigration agents, frequently asked questions and preparation guidance.

Fact sheets are available in: English, Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, Filipino, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Tagalog and Ukrainian.

The news comes as the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a funding for the Department of Homeland Security's enforcement operations. The country is could be headed for another government shutdown as Democrats vow to refuse funds for the department unless new restraints are implemented.

"Californians – and communities nationwide – should vehemently oppose this vote and Congress needs to do its job and place guardrails on the Trump Administration’s continued abuses of power," Newsom's office said. "Support your immigrant neighbors and friends by calling for congressional action to hold federal agencies accountable, and to pass laws so that good, hardworking immigrant Californians can stay and work in the United States."

Meanwhile, some Republicans who have championed President Donald Trump's militaristic style are signaling second thoughts. A growing number of Republicans want a full investigation into the shooting death of Pretti and congressional hearings about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

"The tragic death of Alex Pretti has refocused attention on the Homeland Security bill, and I recognize and share the concerns," said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the GOP chair of the Appropriations Committee, in brief remarks Monday.

Pretti's death came just over two weeks after Renee Good, also 37, who was shot to death behind the wheel of her car by an ICE officer.

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Lake Elsinore) weighed in on the shooting Monday in a post on X.

"The loss of life in Minnesota is a tragedy. Like any lethal use of force incident involving law enforcement, there should be a thorough review of the facts," Calvert wrote. "I continue to believe we can prevent future tragedies from occurring by separating people who want to exercise their constitutional right to protest with those conducting law enforcement. When interference with law enforcement occurs, it creates an incredibly dangerous situation for everyone."

California Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-East Nicolaus) has also called for an investigation into the shooting.

"The loss of life is a terrible tragedy and there should be a full and transparent investigation," Ghallagher wrote on X. "But calling for defunding ICE and blackballing and doxxing agents is part of a radical Open Borders agenda."

While some Republicans were calling for an investigation into Pretti's death, other prominent GOP members suggested that the ICE officer was justified.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District and former Assemblymember in Riverside County, was among them.

“If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California wrote Saturday in a post on X. “Don’t do it!”

Pretti, an intensive care nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was licensed to carry the 9mm semiautomatic handgun that he had on his person — but was not holding the weapon, videos of the incident showed. He was holding a cell phone during the encounter that ended with him being shot by a Border Patrol agent, according to police.

Essayli's comments came under scrutiny from gun advocates and the National Rifle Association.

“Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens,” the association posted on social media.

READ MORE: NRA Rebukes CA U.S. Attorney Over Comments On Border Patrol Shooting Of Activist

The Associated Press contributed to this report.