Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo faced scrutiny on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, after Democratic Representative Ro Khanna cited the Second Amendment during a tense debate about federal immigration agents fatally shooting American citizens.
The clash took place in an interview where Bartiromo asked why Democrats stayed seated during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. Trump had urged Congress to stand in support of his claim that safeguarding American citizens should outweigh concerns about undocumented immigrants. When most Democrats remained seated, Trump labeled them “crazy.”
Khanna, a Democrat from California, dismissed Bartiromo’s suggestion that his party elevates undocumented immigrants above Americans. He argued that Democrats object to the manner in which Trump’s large-scale deportation efforts have been carried out, pointing specifically to the deaths of multiple U.S. citizens caused by federal immigration officers.
The Fox Business host defended the federal agents, mentioning the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who had been recording officers during a Jan. 24 protest in Minneapolis. Pretti was shot and killed by two Customs and Border Protection agents after being tackled.
“I think if an ICE agent feels a threat and feels that he or she and his team is under threat by having someone who’s armed, clearly armed with a gun on his belt, interrupt him, then he’s going to shoot,” Bartiromo said. “And they’re trained to kill.”
Khanna responded forcefully, pointing out the basic constitutional rights conservatives often highlight. He noted that carrying a firearm is protected by the Second Amendment—an argument frequently echoed on her network.
“But Maria, I mean even in this country we have a Second Amendment, you can’t say that any person who shows up with a gun, simply by doing that at an event, can be shot to death!” Khanna said.
Bartiromo appeared startled and hesitated while trying to answer, claiming that Pretti had previously been seen “antagonizing” officers.
Khanna pressed the point, arguing that even if Pretti had taunted agents, that behavior did not warrant execution. He stressed that proportional use of force is a foundational principle in police training nationwide.
When Bartiromo hesitated with an “Uhh…” and continued to justify the officers’ actions, Khanna closed with a firm statement on constitutional rights and civil liberties.
Khanna’s use of the Second Amendment highlighted a sharp inconsistency in Bartiromo’s stance. Conservative media figures and Republican officials routinely defend gun rights as sacred, yet the Fox host seemed comfortable with the idea that merely having a gun near federal agents could justify a deadly response.
The broader debate reflects rising concerns over Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. Pretti was the second U.S. citizen killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis in January 2026, following the Jan. 7 killing of 37-year-old Renee Good. The deaths spurred widespread protests and calls for a bipartisan investigation.
Alex Pretti’s case has drawn intense attention. The ICU nurse, employed at a Veterans Affairs medical facility, was recording federal agents and helping direct traffic when officers pepper-sprayed him and tackled him. Video reviewed by multiple outlets shows an agent retrieving a handgun from Pretti’s waistband just before two officers fired several shots as he lay face-down.
Critics warn that if police can justify shooting armed citizens solely for being present at protests or public gatherings, Second Amendment rights become meaningless. Gun-rights advocates have long asserted that legally carrying a firearm should not be grounds for lethal force.
Journalist Aaron Rupar posted a video of the exchange on social media, where it quickly gained traction. Many observers highlighted the irony of a Fox News host appearing unaware of rights the network’s audience strongly supports.
For Khanna—Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on China and representative for Silicon Valley—the interview served as a chance to challenge Trump’s immigration policies while grounding his argument in constitutional principles Republicans often champion. His remarks showed how Democrats can question the administration’s approach without dismissing border security concerns.
The moment also underscored the challenges conservative media figures face when defending contentious law enforcement actions that conflict with conservative ideals. Bartiromo’s difficulty reconciling support for tough immigration enforcement with gun rights revealed contradictions within that position.
As Trump’s large-scale deportation efforts continue, the deaths of Americans like Alex Pretti and Renee Good will likely remain central in the national discussion on immigration and law enforcement accountability.
