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CBP agents' deadly shooting
On Jan. 24, U.S. Customs and Border Protection placed two agents on administrative leave after they fired during a confrontation that killed 37‑year‑old intensive‑care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
“Two federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis immigration raid have been placed on administrative leave, U.S. officials said — a move described as “standard protocol.””
DHS officials described the leave as "standard protocol," and preliminary internal reviews show two officers fired amid a scuffle, with an agent shouting "He's got a gun!" before about ten rounds were recorded.
It remains unclear whether Pretti's weapon discharged.
The shooting unfolded during a larger "Operation Metro Surge" federal deployment and has prompted multiple investigations by DHS, CBP and other authorities.
Footage of shooting encounters
Multiple outlets compiled and reported new video showing confrontations leading up to the Jan. 24 shooting, including an earlier Jan. 13 encounter.
Clips reportedly show masked officers forcing Pretti to the ground and pepper spray being used.
They also show an agent removing a firearm from Pretti’s waistband seconds before other agents fired, and moments where Pretti appears to hold only a phone.
Several outlets cite NBC‑verified eyewitness video and Reuters‑verified reporting as contradicting initial claims that Pretti had clearly brandished or used a weapon.
Shooting sparks political unrest
The shooting has intensified local and national political conflict.
“The killing has provoked bipartisan outrage and follow‑up scrutiny of federal immigration operations in Minnesota, which followed a separate January 7 shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good by an ICE officer.”
Lawmakers, community members, and medical colleagues have demanded answers and accountability.
Protests spread nationwide, and authorities reported arrests connected to clashes.
Federal leadership responded by reassigning local operational leadership and promising adjustments to tactics while defending enforcement.
President Trump both called for de-escalation at times and publicly criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at others.
DHS moved to replace a local official with border czar Tom Homan and reported arrests of 16 people for allegedly assaulting federal agents.
Medical staff and vigil participants demanded full accountability for Pretti and for prior related deaths such as the Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good.
Investigations and accountability
Investigations, legal moves and questions about accountability are ongoing.
Federal investigators and U.S. Customs and Border Protection internal review offices have sent preliminary summaries to Congress and preserved evidence after state investigators were initially blocked from the scene.
Courts have issued orders tied to protest policing and evidence preservation, while some appeals judges have temporarily modified injunctions governing federal action at demonstrations.
Commentators and some lawmakers say early public characterizations of the incident — including officials who called Pretti an "assassin" or a "domestic terrorist" — are undercut by the CBP summaries and video evidence, and calls for independent investigations and legal scrutiny continue.