A 37-year-old intensive care nurse from Minneapolis died after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot him during a targeted immigration operation in the city centre on Saturday morning. This marks the second fatal incident involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis this month under President Trump’s enforcement push, sparking mass protests.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a U.S. citizen and University of Minnesota graduate in biology and environmental studies, cared for veterans at the Minneapolis VA hospital. He possessed a valid concealed carry permit with no criminal history beyond traffic fines. Mayor Jacob Frey has sought court injunctions, while Governor Tim Walz requested National Guard aid to support local police.
Agents pursued undocumented suspect Jose Huerta-Chuma, convicted previously of domestic assault, near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street around 9:05 CST. Verified bystander videos show Pretti directing traffic and filming with his phone amid crowd jeers.
An agent pushed female protesters; Pretti intervened protectively as spray hit his face. Six officers tackled him, one striking his head, before 10 shots rang out over five seconds despite alleged prior disarming.
Medics arrived swiftly, but Pretti died on site. His union questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims he drew a weapon.
DHS shared photos of a 9mm pistol, two magazines, and no ID, citing self-defence after his “violent resistance.” Commander Greg Bovino called it a bid for “maximum damage and massacre” while Secretary Kristi Noem termed it “domestic terrorism.”
“Individuals showed up to impede a law enforcement operation and assaulted our officers,” Noem said. “They responded according to their training, and took action to defend the officer’s life and those of the public around him. And, I don’t know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign.”
Witnesses, including a detained doctor, saw no gun beforehand. Police Chief Brian O’Hara faulted DHS for blocking scene access despite a warrant; CNN analysis suggests an agent removed the firearm pre-shots.
“Thank God, thank God, we have video because, according to DHS, these seven heroic guys took an onslaught of a battalion against them or something. It’s nonsense, people. It is nonsense, and it’s lies,” Walz said.
Pretti turned to nursing from research and protested after Renee Nicole Good’s 7 January killing by an ICE agent, which upset him deeply, his father said. The family learned via reporters, not officials.
“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” parents Michael and Susan Pretti stated. “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.”
“Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”
DHS probes with FBI help, rejecting local role as County Attorney Mary Moriarty demands oversight. Trump blamed state leaders for “inciting insurrection” as vigils met tear gas and raids persist on icy streets.