On January 24, 2026, a federal agent shot and killed a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, triggering fresh controversy and community unrest in Minnesota. The shooting occurred in the Whittier neighborhood of south Minneapolis during a federal law enforcement operation tied to immigration enforcement.
Local officials and family members have identified the man as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital with no significant criminal history. Pretti’s family and colleagues described him as compassionate and dedicated to helping others, and they noted he had participated in recent protests related to federal immigration actions in the city.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the incident unfolded when Pretti allegedly approached U.S. Border Patrol officers carrying a 9 mm handgun while they were conducting a targeted operation. DHS officials said agents attempted to disarm him, and that one agent fired “defensive shots” after Pretti resisted.
However, videos circulating online and eyewitness accounts cast doubt on parts of the official narrative. Some footage appears to show Pretti holding a cell phone rather than a weapon moments before the shooting, and analysts indicate that a firearm was removed from the scene by agents shortly before shots were fired. Independent observers and civil rights advocates have called for a full transparent investigation into the use of force.
The shooting has intensified tensions in Minneapolis, where recent federal immigration enforcement actions have already sparked protests. Hundreds of residents gathered near the site in the cold to mourn Pretti and demand accountability, prompting local leaders to criticize the federal response and urge cooperation with state investigators.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz publicly condemned the incident, calling on federal authorities to explain their actions and consider withdrawing immigration agents from the city. Critics have also raised concerns about access to the investigation, with state investigators reportedly denied entry to the scene despite a warrant.
The shooting comes amid ongoing debate over federal law enforcement’s role in local communities, especially regarding immigration policy enforcement. As investigations continue, residents, civil liberties groups, and public officials are pushing for independent reviews and greater transparency to address public safety and civil rights implications.
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