Key Points
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Alex Pretti, a 37 year old ICU nurse, was fatally shot during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
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Bystander video appears to show an officer removing a gun from Pretti before shots were fired.
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City and state leaders are calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
Tensions escalated in Minneapolis after federal immigration officers fatally shot Alex Pretti during an operation in a south Minneapolis neighborhood. The incident has drawn national attention as bystander video footage raised questions about the sequence of events leading to his death.
Pretti, a 37 year old ICU nurse and Minneapolis resident, was present near Nicollet Avenue and West 26th Street when federal agents were attempting to detain another individual. Family members described him as a calm and compassionate person who cared deeply about social issues and the community.
The Department of Homeland Security said officers fired after believing Pretti posed a threat and claimed he was armed and resisting arrest. Officials stated the officers acted according to their training and in fear for their lives.
However, video analyzed by national media outlets appears to show a federal officer removing a handgun from Pretti’s waistband just moments before multiple shots were fired. In the footage, Pretti is seen on the ground surrounded by officers, and no video has surfaced showing him using the weapon.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti had no criminal record and was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. He added that early review of the footage raised concerns about whether the shooting was justified.
City leaders and members of Congress condemned the killing and called for federal immigration officers to suspend operations in the state. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as disturbing and said the federal government must end the current enforcement action. Senator Amy Klobuchar also demanded accountability and urged the removal of immigration officers from Minnesota.
Large protests followed the incident despite freezing temperatures, with demonstrators calling for transparency and justice. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city would seek legal steps to limit federal operations and requested additional support from the National Guard to manage public safety.
This marks the third shooting involving immigration officers in Minneapolis this month. Officials confirmed the case remains under investigation, with growing calls for an independent review separate from federal authorities.
