An internal review obtained by the Los Angeles Times has highlighted serious concerns regarding the use-of-force policies of the U.S. Border Patrol, a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum in February 2013, the review examined sixty-seven incidents involving the use of force by federal border agents near the U.S.-Mexico border, resulting in nineteen fatalities.

Key findings from the review indicate that Border Patrol agents have engaged in dangerous practices, such as intentionally stepping in front of moving vehicles to justify the use of deadly force. Additionally, agents have reportedly fired at individuals throwing rocks across the border, despite the availability of alternative responses. The review criticized the agency for its inadequate investigation of incidents involving firearm discharges and questioned the thoroughness of its reviews. Recommendations included prohibiting agents from shooting at vehicles unless their lives are in immediate danger and from firing at rock throwers. However, the Border Patrol's internal response rejected these recommendations, arguing that such bans would jeopardize agent safety in remote areas and empower drug smugglers.

Since 2010, at least twenty-one individuals have been killed by Border Patrol agents, with notable incidents including the shooting of a 16-year-old boy in 2012 and the recent fatal shooting of an undocumented migrant near San Diego. The lack of transparency regarding disciplinary actions for involved agents further complicates accountability within the agency.

In a related context, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed concerns regarding the management of an ICE shooting incident involving Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Pritzker likened this incident to previous shootings in the Chicago area and criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its rapid issuance of statements following such events. The DHS claimed that Good posed a threat by allegedly attempting to run over the agent, a narrative that has been contested by local officials and Democratic lawmakers, including Minnesota Senator Tina Smith.

Smith has raised skepticism about the federal investigation, suggesting that officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump, are attempting to manipulate the narrative surrounding the shooting. She emphasized that there is no evidence from eyewitness accounts or video footage to support the claim that Good was a threat. Furthermore, Smith criticized the exclusion of state agencies from accessing relevant case materials, which could undermine the investigation's credibility.

The shooting has prompted nationwide protests against ICE's presence in urban areas, with local officials in Minneapolis reporting that these demonstrations have largely remained peaceful. Smith highlighted the importance of nonviolent protest and unity in response to the administration's actions, which she believes aim to incite division and fear within communities. She also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, reflecting broader concerns about the militarization of immigration enforcement and its implications for community safety and trust in government institutions.