Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the man killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, has been identified as a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Federal authorities said Pretti was armed during the encounter, which occurred amid an expanded ICE crackdown in the city. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the incident took place during a broader federal operation, noting that details remain under review.
Bystander video obtained by the Associated Press shows a chaotic confrontation on a snowy street, with multiple officers restraining Pretti moments before gunfire. The footage does not clearly show who fired the shots, but within seconds, Pretti was surrounded by several agents and later lay motionless on the pavement. Hospital records confirmed he died from at least one gunshot wound.
Family members and colleagues described Pretti as a compassionate caregiver and dedicated nurse who had no criminal history beyond minor traffic violations. His parents said he was deeply troubled by recent federal immigration actions and believed protesting was a way to stand up for others. While he legally owned a firearm and had a permit to carry, those who knew him said he was outspoken but not violent.
Pretti’s death followed another fatal ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis earlier this month, involving Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother. The two incidents have intensified public scrutiny of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the city, with residents and officials questioning enforcement tactics, transparency, and accountability as investigations continue.
