On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded in Minneapolis when Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed by federal immigration officers.
Pretti was recording the actions of agents during a Border Patrol operation near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue when he became involved in a confrontation with them. Video footage of the scene shows Pretti moving to assist individuals on the sidewalk as the agents began pepper-spraying the group.
The situation quickly escalated, and Pretti was tackled by several officers before a gunshot rang out. Within five seconds, multiple shots were fired, striking Pretti while he was on the ground.
The shooting has sparked outrage, with questions surrounding the agents' use of force and the events that led to Pretti's death. The federal government claims Pretti was carrying a firearm and intended to attack the officers, although no evidence has been provided to support these allegations.
In the wake of the shooting, supporters raised more than $1 million for Pretti’s family through a GoFundMe campaign, with notable contributions from figures like billionaire Bill Ackman.
Alex Pretti’s background and career
Pretti, originally from Illinois and raised in Wisconsin, worked as an ICU nurse, having obtained his nursing license in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He also served at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he provided healthcare to U.S. military veterans.
Those who worked with Pretti described him as a skilled and caring professional. Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, a former colleague at the VA, praised Pretti for his exceptional abilities and kindness. "He was a good kind person who lived to help," Drekonja shared on social media.
Before entering the medical field, Pretti was involved in several extracurricular activities during his high school years in Green Bay, Wisconsin, including performing with the school choir and participating in sports like football and track.
He was also a Boy Scout. At the time of his death, he was mourning the loss of his beloved dog. Pretti’s family and friends have highlighted his compassion and deep concern for others, with his father explaining to AP that Pretti was "very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE."
The response and ongoing investigation
Following Pretti’s death, protests broke out in Minneapolis, and federal immigration officers responded with tear gas. The public outcry continues to grow as the details surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
The federal government has yet to provide a complete timeline of the events leading up to the confrontation, and the issue of whether Pretti was armed when approached by the officers remains under investigation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry a weapon. Despite the controversy, the Department of Homeland Security maintains that Pretti posed a threat to the officers.
As of now, the investigation continues, and questions about the use of force by federal agents in the situation remain unanswered.