On January 24, 2026, Minneapolis became the focus of national attention after Alex Alan Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse and U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation tied to heightened federal policing in the city.

The shooting quickly ignited protests, political debate, and renewed scrutiny of how and when federal authorities use deadly force during domestic operations.

Who Was Alex Pretti

Alex Pretti was a registered ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, where colleagues remembered him as a compassionate caregiver devoted to veterans and patients in crisis. Friends and family described him as kind, thoughtful, and committed to helping others, both professionally and in his community.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Pretti later settled in Minnesota, where he trained as a nurse and built his career. Those close to him said he rarely spoke about politics, but cared deeply about fairness, justice, and community well-being.

Pretti was a lawful gun owner and held a Minnesota permit for concealed carry. According to local and state officials, he had no significant criminal record beyond routine traffic matters.

The Federal Enforcement Backdrop

Pretti’s death occurred amid an unusually large federal immigration enforcement presence in Minneapolis. In early 2026, the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol, was conducting expanded operations targeting individuals suspected of being in the country without legal authorization.

While federal officials described the effort as standard law enforcement, the operations drew criticism from local residents, civil-rights groups, and some elected officials, who argued the tactics were aggressive and destabilizing.

Tensions were already elevated following the January 7 shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, another 37-year-old U.S. citizen killed during an ICE-related encounter in the same area. That earlier death became a catalyst for protests and intensified scrutiny of federal agents’ presence in the city.

What Happened on January 24

According to federal officials, the shooting took place near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis during morning enforcement activity.

DHS stated that a Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly approached officers with a handgun and “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him. Officials characterized the encounter as dangerous and said deadly force was necessary to protect life.

Video and Eyewitness Accounts

Multiple bystander videos and eyewitness statements have complicated that account.

Footage reviewed by major news organizations shows Pretti holding a cellphone—not a firearm—in the moments leading up to the confrontation. In several clips, he appears to be recording agents and observing the operation.

One video shows Pretti moving toward agents after a woman is pushed to the ground, appearing to intervene or assist rather than act aggressively. Other angles show agents deploying pepper spray repeatedly and forcing Pretti to the pavement while several officers restrain him.

Additional video analysis suggests that an agent removed a holstered firearm from Pretti’s waistband only after he was already on the ground. Audio and visual review indicates that multiple shots—at least ten—were fired within a few seconds while he was pinned by agents.

Local law-enforcement officials later said Pretti appeared to be documenting events rather than threatening officers, noting that filming police activity in public is lawful and that legal gun ownership alone does not constitute a threat.

Medical Response and Witness Concerns

A physician who was present near the scene later submitted a sworn statement describing attempts to provide medical aid after the shooting.

According to the filing, the doctor said that when they approached Pretti, federal agents did not appear to be checking for a pulse or administering CPR. The physician reported initiating resuscitation efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived. The account raised further questions about how the scene was managed after shots were fired.

Official Investigations

DHS and Border Patrol leadership have continued to defend the agent’s actions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Pretti as armed and dangerous, a characterization sharply disputed by video evidence and witnesses.

Federal investigations were launched involving Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. Some legal and oversight experts noted that the investigative structure itself has drawn scrutiny, with calls for more independent review to ensure public trust.

A federal judge later issued a temporary restraining order preventing DHS from destroying or altering evidence connected to the shooting, underscoring concerns about transparency and preservation of material evidence.

Family and Community Reaction

Pretti’s family publicly rejected the federal account, calling official statements inaccurate and deeply distressing. They emphasized that available video does not show their son holding a weapon before force was used and described him as a devoted nurse and compassionate person who wanted to make a positive difference.

Across Minneapolis, residents organized vigils, rallies, and protests demanding accountability. Many described Pretti not as a suspect, but as a neighbor and caregiver whose death felt personal.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz questioned the federal portrayal of the incident and called for limits on federal enforcement operations in the city, saying the presence of agents had increased fear and instability.

Broader National Debate

The killing of Alex Pretti has become a focal point in a wider national conversation about immigration enforcement, federal authority, civil liberties, and the use of force.

Some political leaders and advocacy groups have called for independent investigations and reforms to how federal agents operate in civilian settings. Others have defended the agents, arguing they acted within established rules of engagement under difficult conditions.

Beyond partisan divides, the case has intensified debate over public trust, accountability, and the balance between enforcement and restraint.

Conclusion

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti remains under investigation, with sharply conflicting narratives, corroborated video evidence, medical witness accounts, and strong public reaction shaping the case.

As inquiries continue, his death has already left a lasting mark on Minneapolis and the national discussion around law enforcement practices. For many who knew him, Pretti is remembered not as a threat, but as a caregiver, a neighbor, and a man committed to helping others.

Whether the investigations restore trust or deepen division will depend on transparency, evidence, and accountability—values his family and community say he lived by, and now hope will guide the search for truth.