January 28, 2026
Phone vs. gun? The comments are loaded
In 6 violent encounters, evidence contradicts immigration officials' narratives
Video vs. DHS spin: commenters cry cover‑up while others shout media bias
TLDR: Reuters found six cases where DHS accounts clashed with later evidence, including a fatal shooting where video showed a phone, not a drawn gun. Commenters split between calling it systemic spin, claiming it’s always been this way, and accusing the media of bias—everyone demands accountability.
Reuters says six violent run‑ins with immigration agents — including two fatal Minneapolis shootings — were followed by official stories that didn’t match later evidence. In one, DHS said Alex Pretti approached agents with a gun; video showed he held a phone. Other cases: a nonfatal Minnesota shooting that began with mistaken identity, and a detention‑center death first called a suicide, later ruled a homicide. DHS says it gives “swift, accurate information” and stresses officer safety, but the comments aren’t buying a simple narrative.
The top vibe: mistrust and rage. One user fumed the “fish rots from the head,” blaming leadership for a culture of spin. Another shrugged that this isn’t new at all — officials have “always” rushed to defend their own. Meanwhile, a bias brawl kicked off, with critics accusing Reuters of trying to “slander ICE,” while others swatted back with a curt “bad take.” Practical voices begged for basic competence — “Nonviolent crowd control” specialists, please — as jokers memed the “phone vs. gun” moment and roasted “press‑release speedruns.” The only consensus? If videos keep wrecking the first draft, public patience is running out.
Key Points
- •Reuters reviewed six incidents where DHS statements after violent encounters were later contradicted by video, medical, or court evidence.
- •Two January fatalities in Minneapolis (including Alex Pretti and Renee Good) were initially portrayed by officials as justified, but later evidence raised doubts.
- •In Pretti’s case, DHS highlighted a firearm and suggested massacre intent, while video showed he held a cell phone and the gun remained holstered.
- •A non-lethal Minnesota shooting began with mistaken identity, per court records, and a detention death labeled an attempted suicide was ruled a homicide.
- •DHS defended its swift communications citing officer safety amid Trump’s immigration crackdown; former DHS press secretary criticized the approach.