DHS officials say Noem's claim about Pretti didn't come from themAfter the killing of Alex Pretti, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed without evidence that Pretti committed an “act of domestic terrorism." At a Senate hearing, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the head of US Customs and Border Protection said they did not give DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that description.

Source: CNN February 13, 2026 18:20 UTC