Federal Immigration Officers Kill Nurse Alex Pretti, Prompting Protests and Political Outcry
Updated (2 articles)
Shooting Occurs During Targeted Immigration Operation The 37‑year‑old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a licensed intensive‑care nurse and junior scientist at the University of Minnesota Medical School, was shot by federal immigration officers in south Minneapolis on Saturday. Police confirmed he legally owned a handgun and had only minor traffic citations. DHS says Pretti approached agents with a firearm, resisted disarmament, and an officer fired a defensive shot that killed him [1][2].
Bystander Video Shows Escalating Force Before Fatal Shot Footage captured three officers initially surrounding Pretti, then swelling to at least seven as one climbed onto his back and another struck his chest. A canister was swung near his head before a gunshot rang out, leaving the victim motionless on the street. The video contradicts the agency’s “defensive fire” narrative and has become central to public outcry [1].
Political Leaders and Trump React Sharply Divergent Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting “sickening” and demanded the withdrawal of federal agents, while Mayor Jacob Frey labeled the operation an invasion of the city. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, alleging a cover‑up and accusing state officials of inciting insurrection. The Border Patrol Union defended the agents, asserting lawful use of force and blaming media and politicians for inflaming tensions [2].
Protests Erupt, Marking Second Fatal Federal Shooting in Weeks Thousands gathered after the shooting, hurling profanities at ICE, dragging dumpsters to block streets, and confronting federal officers with batons and flash‑bangs. The incident occurred just over a mile from the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, the second lethal encounter involving federal agents in Minneapolis within a short span. Demonstrations continue daily, reflecting heightened community anger [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Newsweek: Alex Jeffrey Pretti Killed by Federal Immigration Officers in Minneapolis: Details victim’s identity, legal gun ownership, DHS defensive‑fire claim, video evidence of officers’ actions, and ongoing protests following a second fatal federal shooting .
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[2]
Newsweek: Trump Reacts to Minneapolis Fatal Shooting: Covers Trump’s incendiary Truth Social post, DHS account of the shooting, police confirmation of legal gun ownership, condemnation by Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, and the Border Patrol Union’s defense of its agents .
Timeline
Jan 7, 2026 – ICE officer Jonathan Ross kills 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good in south Minneapolis, marking the first fatal federal shooting in the city and setting a volatile backdrop for later confrontations with federal agents[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Federal immigration officers shoot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a licensed intensive‑care nurse and junior scientist, during a Trump‑era immigration operation; by‑stander video shows at least seven agents encircling him, striking his chest, swinging a canister near his head, and then firing the fatal shot[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara tells reporters that Pretti’s record contains only parking tickets and that “the victim possessed a valid permit to carry a handgun,” underscoring his lawful gun ownership and lack of violent criminal history[1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – The Department of Homeland Security says Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a handgun” and “violently resisted disarmament,” prompting an eight‑year Border Patrol veteran to fire defensively[1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Governor Tim Walz calls the shooting “sickening” and urges the White House to end the operation, while Mayor Jacob Frey declares the city “is being invaded by its own federal government” and demands an immediate halt to the federal presence[2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Former President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social that the incident is a “COVER UP,” accuses Minnesota’s mayor and governor of inciting insurrection, and demands that “ICE patriots” be allowed to do their job[2].
Jan 24, 2026 – The Border Patrol Union defends the agents, stating they are “highly trained” and that using force against an armed protester is justified, while blaming “media and politicians” for inciting violence[2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Thousands of protesters flood downtown Minneapolis, shouting profanities, chanting “ICE out now,” and dragging dumpsters to block streets; police answer with batons and flash‑bang devices, and the unrest continues daily, echoing the demonstrations that began after Good’s killing[1].