When leaders in Washington talk about “security,” people in Southwest Washington think of real, tangible protections: the Coast Guard rescuing fishermen in danger, FEMA helping families recover after floods and landslides.
These are missions that save lives, and they matter deeply to our community.
But security must never become a justification for killing the people it is meant to protect.
Recently, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez defended continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing the importance of agencies like FEMA and the Coast Guard. While I agree that these services are essential, that argument cannot be used to avoid confronting a far more troubling reality: federal law enforcement is increasingly using aggressive tactics that are costing civilians their lives.
One of those lives was Alex Pretti.
Alex Pretti was a U.S. citizen. He was a licensed concealed-carry holder. He never drew his weapon. He never threatened anyone. And yet he was shot and killed unjustly during a federal enforcement operation carried out in the name of “security.”
That should alarm every American.
If a law-abiding citizen — legally carrying, not resisting, not posing a threat — can be killed by federal agents, then the promise of constitutional protections begins to ring hollow. This is not about slogans like “Defund ICE,” and it is not about choosing between border security and chaos. That framing is a false choice, and even Gluesenkamp Perez has acknowledged that overly aggressive enforcement tactics endanger both civilians and law enforcement.
If that is true, then expressions of frustration are not enough.
Our community deserves clear answers. What is Gluesenkamp Perez’s plan to stop federal agencies from killing people under the guise of security?
What steps will she take to demand transparency, independent investigations and accountability when deadly force is used?
How will she ensure that constitutional rights and human life are not treated as acceptable collateral damage in politically driven enforcement campaigns?
Preventing a government shutdown does not prevent violence. Funding agencies without meaningful oversight does not create safety. And calling these deaths unfortunate consequences does not honor the lives already lost.
Security should mean protecting human life — without exception. It should mean restraint, accountability and respect for the Constitution, not fear and unchecked force.
Alex Pretti deserved to go home alive. So does every other citizen who expects their government to serve and protect, not harm, in the name of security.
Brady Smith
Toledo
