A federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis turned deadly Saturday morning when a Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The incident has sparked calls for calm from city officials while raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a U.S. citizen with no criminal history beyond traffic violations.

The shooting occurred in the area of 26th and Nicollet Avenue during what federal authorities described as an immigration enforcement operation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a resident and American citizen who possessed a valid concealed carry permit.

Profile of the Victim

Pretti, who was born in Illinois, established deep roots in Minneapolis after graduating from the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts in 2011. He dedicated his career to healthcare, working as an ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs facility where he cared for the nation’s military veterans.

Beyond his professional life, Pretti was known as an outdoor enthusiast and competitive bicycle racer. He frequently embarked on adventures with his Catahoula Leopard dog named Joule, who had recently died, according to family members who spoke with news outlets.

His father, Michael Pretti, who resides in Colorado, described his son as someone who “cared about people deeply” and was particularly concerned about federal immigration enforcement practices. The elder Pretti explained that his son had participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

“He was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset,” Michael Pretti said. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests.”

Political Activism and Concerns

Family members and acquaintances painted a picture of Pretti as someone deeply engaged with political and social issues. His mother indicated he was particularly troubled by the direction of federal policy, especially regarding environmental regulations under the current Trump administration.

Pretti’s ex-wife, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters she was not surprised to learn of his involvement in protests against the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. The former couple had divorced more than two years ago, after which she relocated to another state.

She characterized Pretti as a Democratic voter who had previously participated in demonstrations following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. While acknowledging he might vocally confront law enforcement officers during protests, she emphasized that she had never known him to be physically aggressive or confrontational.

Firearm Ownership and Permits

According to his ex-wife, Pretti had obtained a concealed carry permit approximately three years ago and owned at least one semiautomatic handgun at the time of their separation. This detail has become central to the federal authorities’ justification of the shooting.

Department of Homeland Security officials and Border Patrol Commander-At-Large Greg Bovino defended the agent’s actions, citing Pretti’s possession of a firearm and two loaded magazines. However, Bovino’s statement did not specify whether Pretti had drawn his weapon or detail the exact circumstances that led to the fatal encounter.

The incomplete nature of the official explanation has left critical questions unanswered about the sequence of events that resulted in Pretti’s death during what was ostensibly an immigration enforcement operation targeting non-citizens.

Union Response and Calls for Justice

The American Federation of Government Employees Union Local 704 issued a strongly worded statement expressing outrage over what they termed the “murder” of their union member. The statement reflected the intense emotions surrounding the incident within the federal workforce community.

“AFGE Local 704 stands in solidarity with Alex’s loved ones, AFGE Local 3669, and the entire Minneapolis community in their grief,” the union declared. “We will not sit idly by as our members are subjected to violence. We demand justice for Alex Pretti.”

The union went further, calling for congressional action to limit the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement capabilities. They specifically urged Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to oppose DHS appropriations during upcoming legislative proceedings.

BREAKING: @AOC just completely went off on Trump after ICE murdered Alex Pretti.

"Donald Trump [is] accusing a Veteran Affairs ICU nurse (Alex Pretti) as being a terrorist against the United States. A man who was treating services members to our country, who was dedicating… pic.twitter.com/DQSVTN7KUm

— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 24, 2026

Community Response and Memorial

In the aftermath of the shooting, Minneapolis residents began gathering near the site where Pretti was killed, establishing an impromptu memorial. The community response reflects broader tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations in urban areas with significant immigrant populations.

Minneapolis Mayor and Police Chief O’Hara have appealed for calm as the community processes the incident. Their calls for restraint acknowledge the potential for the shooting to inflame existing tensions between federal authorities and local communities that have experienced increased immigration enforcement activities.

Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement

The fatal shooting occurs against the backdrop of intensified federal immigration enforcement operations across the United States. The Trump administration has significantly expanded both the scope and frequency of such operations, often extending beyond traditional targets to include broader community sweeps.

The incident raises complex questions about the intersection of federal enforcement activities with local communities, particularly when operations result in confrontations with U.S. citizens who may be present in targeted areas for reasons unrelated to immigration status.

The fact that Pretti was a healthcare worker serving veterans adds another layer of complexity to public perception of the incident. His role caring for military veterans at a federal facility contrasts sharply with the circumstances of his death at the hands of federal agents.

Ongoing Investigation

Federal authorities have not released comprehensive details about the investigation into the shooting, leaving many questions unanswered about the specific circumstances that led to the use of lethal force. The incomplete official account has contributed to community skepticism and calls for transparency.

The incident is likely to face scrutiny from multiple oversight bodies, including congressional committees with jurisdiction over homeland security operations and civil rights organizations monitoring federal enforcement activities.

As the investigation proceeds, the case of Alex Pretti represents a significant moment in ongoing debates about the scope and conduct of federal immigration enforcement, particularly when such operations intersect with the lives of American citizens and established community members.

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