Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse from Minneapolis was shot and killed by a U.S. federal Border Patrol agent on January 24, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation, prompting widespread protests, political outcry, and contradictory accounts of the incident. Federal officials claim the officer fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly approached them armed; multiple eyewitnesses and video evidence dispute that narrative, showing Pretti holding only a phone and attempting to help others before he was pepper-sprayed and shot. The aftermath has intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics, fueled legal battles over access to the scene, and ignited demonstrations across the United States.
Verified Key Facts (As of Jan 25, 2026)
- Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
- Pretti was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System with no significant criminal history.
- DHS claims self-defense; eyewitnesses and video show him holding a phone and attempting to help others.
- Denial of state investigators’ access and federal-state tensions have intensified protests.
Who Was Alex Jeffrey Pretti?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti (37) was a registered intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, deeply respected by colleagues for his dedication to patient care and his commitment to helping veterans. Family members describe him as kind, compassionate, and community-oriented.
- Pretti earned his biology degree from the University of Minnesota in 2011 and later pursued nursing, receiving his professional license in 2021.
- He had no significant criminal history beyond minor traffic infractions.
- Loved by friends and family, he had a passion for caring for others — traits widely highlighted in tributes following his death.
What Happened on January 24, 2026
Shortly before 9 a.m. local time on January 24, federal immigration agents — primarily from U.S. Border Patrol and affiliated with DHS operations — were engaged in an enforcement operation in south Minneapolis when events escalated rapidly.
Federal Account
Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), say Pretti approached agents with a loaded 9 mm handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him, prompting a Border Patrol agent to fire shots in self-defense.
Contradictory Witness & Video Evidence
Multiple eyewitness accounts and bystander videos — including sworn statements submitted in federal court — directly contradict the official narrative:
- Videos show Pretti holding a phone, not a weapon, at the outset of the encounter, often near other civilians and observers of the immigration operation.
- One witness observed federal agents pushing a woman to the ground, after which Pretti appeared to move toward them with a phone in hand, not a firearm.
- Eyewitness statements describe Pretti being thrown to the ground by multiple agents and then shot while on or near the pavement, with no demonstrable threatening action on his part.
These conflicting accounts have become central to public debate and calls for accountability.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
Local Law Enforcement & Government Officials
Local leaders reacted strongly:
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner but emphasized that video evidence needed thorough review.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting “horrific” and demanded that state investigators lead the probe, asserting federal leadership could not be fully trusted to handle the inquiry.
- State investigators with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said they were denied access to the scene by federal agents despite holding a judicial warrant — an unprecedented standoff deepening distrust.
Federal Government Statements
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and federal officials reiterated the self-defense account, stating the encounter involved a firearm and resistance by Pretti.
Former President Donald Trump publicly defended federal agents, portraying them as patriots acting to enforce law and order.
Protests & Nationwide Reactions
The shooting immediately sparked protests both in Minneapolis and nationwide:
- Hundreds gathered in Minneapolis, chanting demands for justice and calling for the removal of federal immigration agents.
- Demonstrations quickly spread to cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Durham, and Los Angeles, where protestors voiced broader opposition to immigration enforcement tactics and what they see as unchecked federal power.
- Some rallies saw clashes with law enforcement and the use of crowd control measures, including tear gas and stun grenades, as tensions escalated.
In many locations, protest signs and chants focused not only on Pretti’s death but also on previous federal shootings in Minneapolis, including the killing of Renée Good earlier in January.
Political Fallout and Legal Battles
Minnesota National Guard Deployment
In response to ongoing unrest, Governor Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement in maintaining public safety as protests continued.
Legal Challenges
Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison has pledged to challenge what he calls the “illegal and unconstitutional occupation” of foreign agents in Minneapolis, planning to argue in court to end the federal immigration operation known as Operation Metro Surge.
Federal Funding and Policy Debate
The incident has spilled into national politics, with some Senate Democrats threatening to withhold funding for DHS unless reforms and accountability measures are enacted — a move that could contribute to broader legislative gridlock.
Public Mourning and Tributes
Family members, nurses’ associations, and community members issued heartfelt tributes:
- Pretti’s family rejected the self-defense narrative, calling official versions “sickening lies” and emphasizing his peaceful intentions and dedication to others.
- Professional nursing organizations expressed deep shock and sorrow, calling for a full, independent investigation and demanding transparency from federal agencies.
- Colleagues described him as a compassionate caregiver and a positive influence in the medical community.
Editorial Insight: A Flashpoint in American Policing and Civil Liberties
From years covering law enforcement controversies, this incident stands out not only for its tragic human cost but also for how conflicting narratives — official claims versus widely viewed video footage — have eroded public trust. The refusal to provide local investigators access to the scene, the rapid national spread of protest movements, and the deep political division over federal authority highlight a moment of intense national reckoning over the role of federal agents in domestic law enforcement.
Unlike isolated incidents, this case has ignited broad civic engagement and political debate, challenging policymakers to reconcile security objectives with civil liberties protections.
Conclusion: What Comes Next
The death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti has become a defining moment in Minneapolis and a catalyst for nationwide protest and policy scrutiny. As investigations continue — state and federal — the clash between federal enforcement narratives and eyewitness accounts will shape how justice is pursued and how future operations are conducted. The incident underscores the urgent need for transparent, independent investigation, clear use-of-force guidelines, and robust accountability mechanisms when federal agents operate on American soil.
