Parents of Slain Minneapolis Nurse Denounce Trump Administration Over ICE Shooting
The grieving parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by a U.S. federal agent during an immigration enforcement operation, have launched a scathing attack on the Trump administration. Michael and Susan Pretti have accused officials of spreading what they describe as "sickening lies" about the circumstances that led to their son's tragic death.
Conflicting Accounts of the Fatal Encounter
In an emotional statement provided to CNN, the Pretti family vehemently rejected the Department of Homeland Security's official narrative that their son was armed and violently resisted officers during the confrontation. "Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs," the parents asserted. "He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed."
This account stands in stark contrast to the version presented by federal authorities. The DHS had earlier stated that Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation when Pretti allegedly approached officers while armed with a handgun and two magazines. According to the department, agents attempted to disarm him, and an officer fired "defensive shots" after the man "violently resisted." Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino went further, claiming the man was attempting to "massacre law enforcement."
A Life of Service Cut Short
Alex Pretti was a U.S. citizen and South Minneapolis resident who worked as an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, according to family members and multiple reports. His parents remembered him as a "kindhearted soul" who cared deeply for his family, friends, and American veterans.
"Alex wanted to make a difference in this world," they shared. "I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman."
Local police confirmed that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry. Authorities noted he had no significant criminal history beyond minor traffic violations. Video footage captured by bystanders showing the moments around the shooting has circulated widely on social media, adding to the controversy.
Escalating Tensions and Political Fallout
The incident occurred early Saturday near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis and marked the third fatal shooting involving federal agents in the city in approximately three weeks, following the earlier death of Renée Good. The shooting triggered large protests, with crowds gathering at the scene and confrontations reported between demonstrators and law enforcement. Tear gas and crowd-control measures were deployed to disperse the gatherings.
Minnesota's governor and Minneapolis mayor have questioned the federal account of events and called for an independent investigation, urging calm amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other MAGA-aligned figures accused Minnesota officials of obstructing immigration enforcement.
Investigations by Minneapolis police and federal authorities are ongoing, with no charges announced as of yet. The Pretti family remains adamant in their pursuit of truth and justice, declaring: "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting."
