Federal Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun-owning U.S. citizen ICU nurse during an immigration operation, with video evidence contradicting official claims of an armed threat.
Story Snapshot
- Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37-year-old Minneapolis VA nurse caring for veterans, died January 24, 2026, after Border Patrol fired 10 shots while he held a cell phone.
- Video shows agents pinned him down before yelling about a gun, raising serious questions on use-of-force amid Trump’s immigration crackdown.
- DHS blocked state investigators from the scene despite a warrant, fueling federal-state tensions.
- Pretti had no criminal record, lawful carry permit, and was directing traffic peacefully per witnesses.
- Third such federal shooting in Minneapolis this month highlights risks of aggressive enforcement to bystanders.
Incident Details Emerge from Video Evidence
On January 24, 2026, at 9:05 AM CST, Border Patrol agents shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti 10 times over five seconds at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis. Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA treating veterans, filmed agents and directed traffic during their restaurant entry attempt targeting an alleged criminal undocumented immigrant. Witnesses saw six agents pepper-spray, wrestle him down, and strike him before firing. New York Times analysis confirmed Pretti held a cell phone immediately before shots, not a gun. Agents yelled about a weapon eight seconds after pinning him.
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Federal Narrative Clashes with Facts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Pretti “approached” officers with a handgun intending “maximum damage,” per Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino. This account conflicts with video evidence showing Pretti assisting bystanders, not advancing threateningly. Minnesota records disprove claims the operation targeted someone with “significant criminal history”; the named individual had only old misdemeanor traffic offenses. Pretti possessed a valid carry permit and no record beyond parking tickets, confirmed by Police Chief Brian O’Hara. These discrepancies undermine the defensive shooting justification while agents performed CPR post-shooting.
State Officials Challenge Federal Overreach
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension secured a judge-signed search warrant for the scene, but DHS blocked access, escalating jurisdictional conflict. Governor Tim Walz called it a “tragedy” and sought National Guard aid alongside Mayor Jacob Frey amid rising protests. Senator Tina Smith labeled agents “reckless, violent, and dangerous” after they “beat and then shot” Pretti. Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed the identity skeptically. Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, described their “kindhearted soul” who cared for family and veterans, demanding truth. This follows Renée Good’s January 7 fatal shooting by federal officers, marking the third in Minneapolis.
Pretti protested Good’s death, engaging community concerns over federal tactics in frigid 10-below-zero weather. The operation intensified Trump’s immigration crackdown, prioritizing deportations but risking American lives.Â
Broader Implications for Enforcement and Rights
Community mobilization grows against federal actions, eroding trust as state probes stall. This incident spotlights tensions in urban immigration operations, where civilians face lethal risks despite clean records. Healthcare loses a dedicated VA nurse amid shortages; veterans mourn compassionate care. Litigation may test use-of-force protocols, qualified immunity, and federal supremacy over states. Amid Trump’s mandate for border security, facts reveal the need for precise targeting to avoid tragedies harming patriotic Americans upholding constitutional rights.
Sources:
Wikipedia: Killing of Alex Pretti
CBS News Minnesota: Reported shooting south Minneapolis federal agents protesters
WUSF: Man shot dead by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis
