The fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis provoked immediate outrage among both the public and political leaders in Minnesota.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the operation as a “campaign of organized brutality,” insisting that the state, rather than federal authorities, should oversee the investigation into Pretti’s death.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shared that criticism, calling the presence of heavily armed federal agents excessive and dangerous, and demanded that ICE leave the city entirely.
President Donald Trump defended the federal agents, accusing local and state leaders of weak leadership and claiming they were stirring unrest while diverting attention from unrelated issues.
As tensions between leaders grew, protests and candlelight vigils spread throughout Minneapolis, highlighting public anger and concern over federal enforcement tactics.
Pretti’s family shared a personal tribute, describing him as a compassionate ICU nurse who cared for veterans, loved the outdoors, and was deeply committed to protecting others and the environment.
His parents emphasized that he was unarmed at the time, holding only a phone while trying to protect a woman pushed by officers. Authorities claimed he had a gun, but bystander footage showed no visible weapon.
A U.S. citizen with no criminal history, Pretti was killed at the scene, leaving his family and coworkers grieving. His death has become a central point in national debates over immigration enforcement, police authority, and the risks of public protest.