A 37-year-old Minneapolis man was fatally shot by federal immigration officers on Saturday during a targeted enforcement operation, an incident that has ignited widespread protests and intensified political debate in this Democratic-leaning city. The shooting marks the third such fatal encounter involving federal agents in Minneapolis within approximately three weeks, raising serious concerns about law enforcement tactics and community relations.
Victim Identified as Local Nurse and Lawful Gun Owner
The deceased has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old resident of south Minneapolis and a United States citizen. According to family members and available reports, Pretti worked as an intensive care unit nurse and had no significant criminal history beyond a few minor traffic violations. Local police have confirmed that Pretti was believed to be a lawfully armed gun owner with a valid permit to carry, adding complexity to the circumstances surrounding his death.
Federal Account of the Incident
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided an official narrative stating that agents were conducting a targeted immigration enforcement operation when Pretti approached US Border Patrol officers while armed with a handgun and two magazines. DHS officials claimed that agents attempted to disarm the man, but he “violently resisted,” prompting one officer to fire “defensive shots.” The shooting occurred early on Saturday morning near the intersection of West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis.
Footage Goes Viral and Sparks Public Outcry
The incident was captured on camera by bystanders, and the harrowing footage quickly went viral on social media platforms, amplifying public scrutiny. One widely circulated video appears to show the perspective of a woman filming from the sidewalk, providing a raw and unsettling glimpse into the moments leading up to the shooting. This visual evidence has fueled demands for transparency and accountability from federal authorities.
Protests Erupt and Political Tensions Escalate
In the aftermath of the shooting, large crowds gathered in Minneapolis, leading to demonstrations and confrontations between residents and law enforcement. Authorities deployed tear gas and crowd control tactics to disperse the gatherings, highlighting the volatile atmosphere. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local officials, including Minnesota’s governor and the mayor of Minneapolis, who have challenged the federal account and called for calm and a thorough investigation.
Political Backlash and National Implications
The shooting has also triggered a political firestorm, with figures from the MAGA base, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, accusing Minnesota of failing to comply with the law and obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from performing their duties. This rhetoric has further polarized the debate, underscoring the deep divisions over immigration enforcement and federal overreach in urban communities.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Minneapolis police and federal authorities are continuing their investigations into the shooting, and no charges have been announced at this time. The incident follows the earlier death of Renée Good, another fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, compounding community trauma and distrust. As the city grapples with this latest tragedy, calls for systemic reforms and greater oversight of federal operations are growing louder, reflecting broader national conversations about policing, immigration, and civil liberties.
