Political leaders and communities across Minnesota and beyond are reacting to the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis in late January 2026. The incident has intensified scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics, the use of force, and the transparency of related investigations.
According to officials, the shooting occurred during a targeted enforcement action on a residential street. Multiple bystander videos show a tense confrontation, with Pretti standing near officers before a single gunshot was fired. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Federal authorities are reviewing body-camera footage, videos, and forensic evidence, and the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.
Pretti, a U.S. citizen and ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was widely praised by colleagues for his skill, dedication, and compassion. His family described him as committed to human rights, social justice, and nonviolence, disputing claims that he was armed during the encounter.
Local and state leaders have called for a thorough, independent investigation, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Nationally, the incident has sparked debates over immigration enforcement policies and the risks of armed federal operations in public spaces. Community members in Minneapolis have organized memorials and vigils, honoring Pretti’s life and professional legacy.
The shooting follows a prior fatal federal operation in the city this year, raising concerns about broader patterns. As the investigation continues, questions of public safety, civil rights, and law enforcement practices remain at the forefront, while Pretti’s family urges the public to remember him for his life and service rather than the circumstances of his death.