A federal immigration officer shot and killed a 37-year-old man, identified as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse, in Minneapolis on Saturday, sparking widespread protests and clashes with law enforcement.
The incident occurred amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, with Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating that federal officers fired “defensive shots” after Pretti approached them with a handgun and “violently resisted” when officers tried to disarm him.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described Pretti as a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry,” and said the shooting was under investigation. The Minnesota National Guard has been activated to assist local police amid growing protests.
Protesters, many of whom were chanting “murderers” and “go home now,” clashed with federal agents, who deployed tear gas and flash bangs. The scene remains tense, with dozens of federal agents present and hundreds of protesters gathered.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting, saying, “We are gathering more information, but ICE must leave now so MPD can secure the scene and do their jobs.” Senator Tina Smith stated, “ICE must leave now.”
Congressional Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, condemned the shooting, calling for ICE to be “abolished” and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached.
The shooting comes just over a mile from where Renee Good, 37, was killed on Jan. 7 by an ICE officer, sparking daily protests in the Twin Cities.
