The death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis prompts state investigation and fresh outrage over federal immigration tactics.
Federal Agents Shoot, Kill Minneapolis Man in Third ICE Incident This Month (Image: X)
MINNEAPOLIS, January 26 – Federal immigration officers shot and killed a man during an operation in Minneapolis on Saturday, marking the second fatal shooting by federal agents in the city this month and intensifying scrutiny of a heightened immigration crackdown.
The man, identified by city officials as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, was a U.S. citizen and lawful gun owner. The shooting occurred on Nicollet Avenue, a bustling dining corridor known as "Eat Street," around 9 a.m. Witness videos show agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before a volley of gunfire.
This incident follows the January 7 shooting death of U.S. citizen Renee Good by federal agents and the January 14 non-fatal shooting of a Venezuelan man by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The cluster of shootings has ignited protests and amplified demands for the Trump administration to suspend its operations in the city.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting a "targeted operation0" against an undocumented immigrant wanted for violent assault when Pretti "approached officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun."
Witness accounts differ. Nilson Barahona, who was inside a nearby doughnut shop, said a man being chased by agents ran into the shop. People inside locked the door. Barahona said the agents tried to enter, called for backup, and that community members inside sought to help the pursued man.
Videos from the scene and witness statements indicate multiple shots were fired. Observers reported hearing a burst of gunfire. One video shows an initial shot, followed by at least nine more in rapid succession. The exact number of times Pretti was struck has not been officially released by investigators.
Videos show Pretti, wearing a hat and sunglasses, holding what appears to be a phone and moving toward agents. An agent is seen pushing a bystander, after which Pretti moves toward that agent. The agent then grabs Pretti and uses pepper spray.
As agents wrestle Pretti to the ground, at least one officer shouts, "he's got a gun." An officer reaches into Pretti's waistband and is later seen walking away holding a weapon. The shooting occurs shortly after.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino accused Pretti of attempting to "massacre law enforcement." Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) called the DHS narrative "nonsense" and "lies," citing video evidence. "What I see with my eyes makes that pretty hard to believe," Walz said.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating. A state judge granted a temporary restraining order Saturday, prohibiting DHS and other federal agencies from destroying or altering evidence related to the shooting, following a request from state authorities who alleged evidence was removed from the scene.
A court hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. His family described him as a "kindhearted soul" deeply committed to his family, friends, and the veterans he cared for. A co-worker said Pretti researched colon cancer prevention in veterans.
The Border Patrol agent who fired the shots has eight years of service and is described as "highly trained" with expertise as a range safety and less-lethal officer, according to Commander Bovino.
