A man, identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis over the weekend, as confirmed by his grieving family. Pretti, aged 37, worked as an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration and was known for his empathy towards others. His family revealed that he was deeply troubled by President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in the city. Additionally, Pretti was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed adventures with his beloved dog, Joule.
Participating in protests following the shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier, Pretti expressed his concerns about the situation in Minneapolis and across the United States involving ICE. His father, Michael Pretti, described him as caring deeply for others and being dedicated to standing up for his beliefs through activism.
Born in Illinois, Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record, similar to Good. He grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, engaging in sports and extracurricular activities during his youth. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, society, and the environment, he pursued a career as a research scientist before transitioning to nursing.
Colleagues praised Pretti for his compassionate nature and dedicated work as an ICU nurse, emphasizing his commitment to helping others. Despite the tragic incident, Pretti’s family refuted allegations made by the Trump administration, stating that he was unjustly portrayed in a negative light. They highlighted his peaceful intentions during the protest and condemned the use of lethal force by federal agents.
Thousands gathered for a vigil to honor Pretti’s memory following the shooting. Attendees expressed their sorrow and support for the family, advocating for justice and accountability in the face of such incidents. The community’s response reflected a mix of grief, anger, and determination to seek transparency and reform in law enforcement practices.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Pretti was shot after allegedly approaching Border Patrol officers with a handgun. Family members confirmed he owned a gun but emphasized that he was not known to carry it regularly. The family’s statement, issued through the Minnesota DFL, portrayed Pretti as a kind-hearted individual who sought to make a positive impact through his profession as a nurse.