US3 min(s) read
Published 20:40 24 Jan 2026 GMT
A 37-year-old man fatally shot during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, according to sources.
The incident marks the second deadly ICE-related shooting in the city in just weeks, intensifying public scrutiny of federal enforcement activity in Minnesota.
The shooting occurred on January 24, during what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as a targeted operation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old U.S. citizen who lived in south Minneapolis.
According to publicly available records and statements from local officials, Pretti had no serious criminal history, with only minor traffic-related offenses on record.
Authorities confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner and held a valid Minnesota permit to carry, which allows for both open and concealed carry under state law.
Pretti was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and held an active nursing license issued by the state.
Family members and acquaintances identified him as a healthcare professional, with reports indicating he worked as an intensive care nurse.
According to DHS, the incident occurred at approximately 9:05 a.m. near Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis.
Federal agents were in the area conducting an enforcement operation when they encountered Pretti.
Officials allege that Pretti approached agents while armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two loaded magazines and resisted efforts to disarm him.
DHS stated that an agent discharged their weapon in what was described as a defensive response.
Emergency medical aid was administered at the scene, but Pretti was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Bystander video circulating online appears to show agents struggling with a man on the ground before gunshots are heard.
However, authorities have cautioned that the footage does not provide full context, and the precise sequence of events remains under investigation.
Pretti’s death is the second fatal shooting involving ICE-linked operations in Minneapolis this month.
Earlier in January, another 37-year-old U.S. citizen, Renée Good, was killed during a separate federal enforcement incident, sparking protests and public outrage.
The repeated shootings have drawn attention to Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative that expanded immigration enforcement activity in the region.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as “deeply disturbing” and called for greater oversight of federal agents operating within the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara urged calm while acknowledging community concern.
At the federal level, President Donald Trump defended the actions of immigration agents, stating they were operating under dangerous conditions.
Meanwhile, civil rights advocates and several state lawmakers have called for independent investigations and limits on federal enforcement tactics.
Demonstrations broke out near the scene shortly after Pretti’s death, with protesters demanding transparency, accountability, and an end to aggressive immigration enforcement practices.
Law enforcement maintained a visible presence as tensions remained high throughout the day.
The shooting is currently under investigation by both state and federal authorities, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Investigators are reviewing body-worn camera footage, bystander video, and witness statements.
Officials have said further information will be released as the investigation progresses.
