How Minneapolis, Minnesota Is Responding
Incident Overview
In late January 2026, Minneapolis drew national attention after federal immigration
agents fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti. A U.S.
citizen who worked at the Minneapolis VA hospital, Pretti was killed during
an enforcement operation on January 24, triggering protests and political debate.
Conflicting Accounts
Federal officials claimed Pretti “approached agents with a handgun and posed a threat.”
However, bystander videos and witnesses indicate he was “holding only a phone”
and appeared to be “helping others” before being tackled and shot,
raising questions about the use of force.
Broader Context
The shooting occurred during “Operation Metro Surge,” an intensified enforcement
effort in Minnesota that had already involved “another fatal shooting” and
“thousands of arrests.” Leaders called for “independent investigations” and transparency.
Public Response
Protests and memorials spread nationwide, with communities demanding
accountability and answers about how similar tragedies can be prevented.
