Federal Agents Fatally Shoot Minneapolis ICU Nurse During Targeted Immigration Operation
Federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti in South Minneapolis on Saturday, the incident occurred during a targeted immigration operation near Nicollet Avenue, this fatal confrontation has triggered immediate protests and prompted Governor Tim Walz to mobilize the National Guard.
Weeks of Federal Enforcement Stoke Rising Tensions in Twin Cities
This shooting represents the third violent encounter involving federal officers in the region within a single month, it follows the controversial death of Renee Good on January 7 which had already sparked local demonstrations. Local officials have increasingly criticized the presence of Border Patrol agents operating far from international boundaries, the Trump administration describes these deployments as a necessary part of a national immigration surge. Minnesota leaders argue these heavy tactics are endangering residents and creating a crisis of jurisdiction, the atmosphere in Minneapolis has remained volatile as state and federal authorities disagree on the rules of engagement for these operations.
Authorities Identify Victim as Dedicated VA Healthcare Professional
Officials confirmed the deceased is Alex Jeffrey Pretti, he worked as a dedicated nurse at the local Veterans Administration hospital, colleagues described him as a committed professional with no criminal history. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino stated agents fired defensive shots after Pretti allegedly brandished a 9mm handgun, the victim held a valid permit to carry the weapon in Minnesota but family members noted he rarely carried it. Bystander video footage appears to contradict the initial official accounts, the recording shows Pretti on his knees engaging with officers moments before shots rang out, this discrepancy has led to immediate calls for transparency.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge Regarding Altercation
Federal agencies claim Pretti violently resisted attempts to disarm him during the confrontation, however witnesses and family representatives insist the use of lethal force was unjustified given his posture, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is seeking to review all available evidence including unedited body camera footage.
Minnesota Leadership Challenges Federal Accounts and Launches Independent Probe
Governor Tim Walz has condemned the operation as a campaign of organized brutality, he authorized a state-level investigation to bypass federal internal reviews to ensure impartiality. The healthcare community is mourning the loss of a frontline worker who served veterans, meanwhile Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents by citing the dangerous environment created by local interference, this political clash suggests a widening legal battle over federal policing powers within state borders.
Demonstrators are gathering for renewed protests across the city as the National Guard establishes a perimeter to maintain order, legal experts predict a lengthy conflict regarding jurisdiction and the release of critical video evidence.
