Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive care nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis, was fatally shot by federal immigration officers on January 24, 2026. Pretti had no significant criminal history beyond minor traffic matters and was described by family and colleagues as a compassionate healthcare worker. On the day of the shooting, he was part of a group observing and recording federal immigration enforcement operations in south Minneapolis when an altercation occurred between him and officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol. According to federal notices to Congress, two officers fired their weapons during the encounter. Authorities have claimed the use of force was in self‑defense after Pretti allegedly posed a threat to agents, though the details of those claims have been contested.
Bystander video and multiple eyewitness accounts captured portions of the confrontation. These videos show officers shoving Pretti and at least one other civilian before Pretti ends up on the ground and shots are fired. Some footage appears to capture agents removing a handgun from Pretti’s waistband before the fatal shots, although interpretations vary and are under investigation. Officials have acknowledged he was licensed to carry the firearm, but they dispute what threat, if any, his possession posed at the moment of the shooting.
Pretti’s death occurred amid an expanded federal immigration operation in Minneapolis—part of a nationwide enforcement surge—that has ignited tensions and drawn significant protest. Demonstrations and vigils have taken place in Minneapolis and elsewhere, with participants calling for transparency and accountability from federal agencies. Many activists, healthcare workers, and local officials have sharply criticized the federal narrative of events.
In the days following Pretti’s death, new video footage emerged showing a separate incident on January 13, 2026—11 days before he was shot. In this previously unpublished footage, Pretti is seen during a crowd of observers confronting federal immigration agents. The videos depict him yelling at officers, spitting toward their vehicle, and striking the rear light of an agent’s SUV with his foot, causing it to break. Federal agents then exit the vehicle and physically tackle Pretti to the ground before other agents surround him and then withdraw from the scene. This earlier altercation did not result in any weapon discharges at that time.
The January 13 encounter occurred during protests and demonstrations that followed earlier clashes between civilians and federal agents. Bystanders captured several angles of the confrontation, showing Pretti wearing glasses, a hat, and a winter coat, and aggressively engaging with agents’ vehicles. After being brought to the ground, the footage shows him freeing himself and remaining on the scene as agents gingerly retreat, using crowd control measures like tear gas.
Attorneys for Pretti’s family have said the footage provides important context about his presence at immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis but have also stressed that actions from nearly two weeks prior should not be used to justify deadly force weeks later. They argue that the earlier scuffle—while indicative of tensions—was unrelated to the circumstances leading to his death.
Federal authorities, including leaders within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP, have defended the conduct of their agents, asserting that the officers involved acted in defense of themselves and others when Pretti was shot. DHS officials initially described Pretti as approaching agents with a firearm and reacting violently during attempts to detain him. These statements were presented as justification for the shooting.
However, a preliminary review conducted by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility later did not corroborate claims that Pretti brandished his weapon at the time of the shooting. The review noted Pretti may have approached officers while licensed to carry a holstered handgun, but video evidence suggested the firearm was removed before shots were fired. This discrepancy between initial statements and later review has intensified scrutiny of the federal account of events.
In response to public outrage and legal pressure, senior federal figures, including the Trump administration’s border enforcement czar, have held talks with Minnesota officials attempting to reduce tensions. While discussions acknowledged the need for improved cooperation and possibly a reduced federal footprint, no formal agreement was reached. Minnesota officials, including the state attorney general and the mayor of Minneapolis, have resisted what they describe as unconstitutional tactics and emphasized that local law enforcement protocols remain separate from federal operations.
Pretti’s killing has sparked widespread reaction on social media, in local communities, and among professional groups. Nurses and other healthcare workers have held vigils and rallies across the country to honor Pretti’s life and to protest what they describe as excessive federal force in law enforcement operations. These gatherings emphasize his legacy as an ICU nurse who cared for veterans and his dedication to helping others—attributes many feel were starkly contrasted by the manner of his death.
Family members and friends of Pretti have publicly disputed federal claims about his actions. They emphasize bystander footage showing him filming with a phone moments before the shooting and argue that his presence was peaceful until agents initiated force. Legal representatives for the family have raised questions about the justification for lethal force, signaling potential legal challenges and extended investigations.
Religious communities in Minneapolis and beyond have also grappled with the emotional and moral implications of Pretti’s death, with some faith leaders calling for peace and justice amidst ongoing enforcement protests. These responses illustrate how the incident has transcended local politics, touching on broader debates over civil liberties, federal power, and community safety.
The death of Alex Pretti occurred against a backdrop of an expanded federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that has been heavily criticized for its scale and tactics. The operation, part of a national strategy to crack down on undocumented immigration and target serious offenders, involved a large influx of agents and controversial use of surveillance tools. Some civil liberties advocates and local officials have raised alarms over facial recognition technology and aggressive engagement with civilians, including citizens, during sweeps.
The Minneapolis enforcement campaign has led to other deadly confrontations with federal agents earlier in January, fueling protests and litigation. Human rights organizations reviewing the incidents have argued that the use of lethal force in these cases, including Pretti’s, does not meet international standards for justification and has contributed to an atmosphere of fear within communities.
These broader tensions reflect ongoing national debates over immigration policy, federal law enforcement powers, and how to balance border security with respect for civil rights. The Minneapolis confrontations have become a flashpoint in these discussions, mobilizing activists on both sides and drawing attention from political leaders across the spectrum.
Investigations into the shooting of Alex Pretti are continuing at both federal and local levels. The preliminary CBP review that contradicted certain earlier federal claims does not constitute a final investigative report, and additional inquiries by the Department of Homeland Security and independent oversight bodies are expected. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and local prosecutors are also evaluating evidence and witness accounts to build a clearer picture of what occurred leading up to the fatal shooting.
Differing narratives—between bystander video, family statements, federal agency accounts, and preliminary internal reviews—mean that public understanding of the exact sequence of events remains contested. Legal actions initiated by Pretti’s family and civil rights groups may further surface new evidence or testimony. Furthermore, the political ramifications of the case continue to unfold, with ongoing debates about the appropriateness of federal enforcement measures and calls for policy reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In summary, the death of Alex Pretti has become a highly charged issue blending community grief, media scrutiny, legal debate, and political conflict. As investigations proceed, the case continues to shape discussions about federal law enforcement practices and civil liberties in the United States.
