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Published 20:14 24 Jan 2026 GMT
The man shot and killed by federal immigration agents in south Minneapolis on Saturday has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old resident of the city, according to reports.
Local sources familiar with the investigation confirmed his name to the Star Tribune as officials continue to piece together what happened during a controversial law enforcement operation.
Pretti lived in the Whittier neighbourhood of south Minneapolis and was known locally as a registered nurse who graduated from the University of Minnesota.
Authorities say he held an active nursing licence and was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry. There is no indication that he had a serious criminal history.
The fatal shooting took place on 24 January 2026, when federal agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were conducting an immigration enforcement action in the area.
According to official statements, Pretti was armed with a handgun and approached officers, leading to a confrontation that ended with him being shot.
The Department of Homeland Security described the shooting as a defensive response by an agent, though details remain disputed as investigations continue.
Video shared online from the scene appears to show a physical struggle between several agents and Pretti shortly before gunshots rang out.
Minneapolis police confirmed his identity and said he was a U.S. citizen and resident of the city.
Pretti’s identification has prompted renewed discussion in Minneapolis about the presence and conduct of federal immigration agents.
Community members and local leaders have questioned the tactics used during such operations and called for more transparency in how federal law enforcement interacts with city residents.
Protests have continued in the wake of the shooting, with demands for an independent review and clearer information about the sequence of events.
This latest incident comes just a short while after the death of Renee Good at the hands of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, and more news continues to emerge from that story.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly defended Ross during a press conference, calling the shooting “an act of domestic terrorism” and asserting that it was self-defense.
She added that she was “not opposed” to deploying more federal agents to Minneapolis in response.
Noem went on to accuse Good of “following and harassing” agents and said she “used her vehicle as a weapon” in an alleged attempt to run over the officer who fired the shots.
