In Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, during an enforcement operation that drew intense public scrutiny and widespread protests. Pretti, who worked at the VA Medical Center, was killed amid a federal operation targeting individuals in the city. Video from the scene circulated widely online, creating conflicting narratives about the events that unfolded that day.
Federal officials initially claimed Pretti approached agents with a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him, stating that officers fired in self-defense. However, multiple bystander videos and eyewitness accounts indicate that Pretti was holding a phone and may have been trying to help others when agents pepper-sprayed and tackled him. Some footage suggests that his firearm was removed before shots were fired, raising serious questions about the official account.
The incident occurred amid heightened federal enforcement in Minnesota, which had already seen another fatal shooting earlier in January. Local and state leaders called for transparency, independent investigations, and careful preservation of evidence, while legal action was initiated to ensure the investigation remained thorough and impartial. The situation intensified public debate about the conduct of federal agents and the accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Public reaction has been strong, with protests in Minneapolis and calls for justice and clarity from officials across the political spectrum. As investigations continue, the community remains focused on understanding the circumstances of Pretti’s death and demanding answers regarding the use of force during federal operations.
