ICE Agents Fatally Shoot Nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis Immigration Operation
In a tragic incident that has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was reportedly shot and killed by federal immigration agents during a crackdown in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that officers fired "defensive shots" after Pretti, allegedly armed with a handgun, approached them and "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him. However, emerging bystander videos and analyses have raised significant questions about the sequence of events, particularly whether Pretti was visibly wielding a weapon at the time of the shooting.
Conflicting Accounts: DHS Statement Versus Video Evidence
According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, federal officers were conducting a routine operation when the incident unfolded. She emphasized that the agents acted in self-defense, fearing for their lives and the safety of others. In contrast, videos reviewed by multiple sources, including CNN, show Pretti holding a cellphone in one hand during the encounter, with no visible weapon apparent in the footage. The analysis indicates that at no point in the videos can Pretti be seen brandishing a firearm, casting doubt on the initial claims made by authorities.
Detailed Video Analysis of the Shooting Incident
A closer examination of the bystander videos reveals a complex and chaotic scene. Officers can be heard shouting "he's got a gun" as an unidentified agent reaches into Pretti's waistband while a group of officers attempts to subdue him. The CNN analysis highlights that just over one second after an officer emerges holding what appears to be a weapon, a shot is fired, followed by at least nine more. Notably, the video shows that the officer who retrieved the weapon had nothing in his hand prior to approaching Pretti, and it remains unclear whether he communicated the retrieval to other agents or which agent fired the first shot.
Background on Alex Pretti and Legal Gun Ownership
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was identified as a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry a concealed firearm, obtained approximately three years prior to the incident. The Minneapolis police chief confirmed that Pretti owned at least one semiautomatic handgun at the time of his separation, adding a layer of complexity to the case. This information has fueled discussions on social media and among legal experts about the rights of gun owners and the use of force by federal agents in such situations.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Reaction
The shooting has ignited a firestorm of chatter on social media platforms, with many users questioning the official narrative and calling for transparency. As investigations continue, key details remain murky, including the exact circumstances under which the weapon was retrieved and the justification for the use of lethal force. The incident underscores broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices and accountability in law enforcement operations, particularly in high-stress scenarios.
This case highlights the critical need for thorough investigations and public access to evidence, as conflicting reports and video analyses continue to shape the narrative around this fatal encounter in Minneapolis.
