ICE Agent Kills Nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; Videos Contradict Official Account
Key Takeaways
- Alex Pretti, 37, a nurse, was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis.
- Videos released contradict initial government account, showing Pretti unarmed and holding a phone.
- Incident occurred January 24 at Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in Minneapolis.
Shooting and Video Evidence
Alex Pretti was fatally shot by ICE agents during an operation in Minneapolis.
“A new death linked to ICE”
Multiple witness videos show Pretti being tackled and then shot while on the ground.
The videos contradict the administration's account that he approached agents with a firearm.
He is seen holding only a phone in his hand.
Minneapolis Mayor Frey condemned the shooting.
DHS insisted Pretti was armed and had violently resisted.
Contradictions and Local-Federal Tensions
This was the second fatal ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis within three weeks.
Local authorities denounced the federal operation.
ICE acknowledged two agents were placed on administrative leave for making false statements in a separate incident.
Congressional Democrats demanded briefings on the legal basis for these operations.
Protests and Political Fallout
The shooting triggered protests across Minneapolis and beyond.
“The Donald Trump administration, which labels as lies any criticism it receives, has in recent hours entangled itself in a web of falsehoods and misinformation in an attempt to justify Saturday's death in Minneapolis of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, at the hands of Border Patrol agents, the agency that traditionally handled border security but that now conducts raids on migrants inside the country”
The incident intensified scrutiny of DHS operations in Minnesotan communities where they have no formal role.
House Homeland Security Chair acknowledged the need for clarity.
Pretti is survived by a wife and son.
The Old and New Debates
Pretti's father described him as fierce in compassion.
The Minneapolis School District renamed a community space after Pretti.
The incident reopened debates about immigration enforcement and military-style operations.
A week after the operation began, it had killed two locals and injured dozens more.
No Prior History
Pretti had no criminal record and was not a target of the operation.
“Video: Death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis: the shocking images of the immigration police's deadly shots”
ICE's initial claim was contradicted by multiple videos.
The DHS Inspector General launched a robust investigation.
More on USA
Trump Threatens Journalists With Jail Over Pilot Rescue Coverage
15 sources compared
Human Rights Watch Warns Trump Is Transforming USA Into Authoritarian State
19 sources compared
US-Iran Indirect Talks Advance While Iran Demands Complete End to War
12 sources compared
DeSantis Signs Law Allowing Florida to Label Groups as Terrorists
13 sources compared