A man was fatally shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis during protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The victim, identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse and US citizen from Minneapolis, was reportedly armed during the incident. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still unclear.
In response to the shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the actions of federal agents, urging President Donald Trump to remove what he described as “violent and untrained officers” from Minnesota. This incident follows the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7, which triggered nationwide demonstrations.
The family of Alex Pretti has issued a statement accusing the Trump administration of spreading falsehoods and emphasizing that Alex was a good man.
A doctor who tried to assist Pretti after the shooting reported that federal agents were seen pointing guns at him before firing multiple shots. The doctor noted that instead of providing medical aid, the agents seemed to be counting the bullet wounds on Pretti’s body.
A federal judge has intervened to prevent the destruction or alteration of evidence related to the fatal shooting involving federal officers.
Meanwhile, Pretti’s ex-wife revealed that he had a history of participating in protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She described him as a Democratic voter who had a concealed carry permit and owned a handgun.
In another development, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Kristi Noem’s management of the Department of Homeland Security following Pretti’s death. Ocasio-Cortez questioned the use of lethal force in situations involving legally armed individuals.
New footage obtained by the Associated Press showed Pretti engaging with ICE agents moments before he was shot. The video captured a confrontation where Pretti appeared non-threatening before an altercation ensued.
Protests erupted following the shooting, with thousands gathering at Whittier Park for a vigil in honor of Pretti. Amid the demonstrations, reports emerged of a demonstrator allegedly biting off a Homeland Security agent’s finger.
As investigations continue into the shooting, political figures and community members have called for accountability and transparency in dealing with such incidents involving federal agents.