Federal Agents Kill Nurse in Minneapolis Sparking Clash Over Operation Metro Surge
U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti on Saturday morning in Minneapolis, the victim was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse filming an arrest. The incident occurred during a federal immigration sweep, witnesses dispute official claims that Pretti threatened agents with a firearm before being shot ten times.
Escalating Federal Presence Heightens Local Tensions
The shooting occurs amid "Operation Metro Surge," a massive immigration enforcement initiative launched by the Department of Homeland Security in late 2025. This campaign has resulted in thousands of arrests, it has drawn sharp condemnation from Minnesota state officials who characterize the federal presence as hostile. This marks the second fatality involving federal agents in the area recently, Renée Good was killed by an ICE agent less than three weeks prior. These events have intensified the conflict between local authorities and the administration, Governor Tim Walz has demanded federal forces leave the state immediately.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge Regarding Fatal Confrontation
The confrontation began around 9:05 AM at a busy Minneapolis intersection, Pretti was recording agents conducting an operation when witnesses say an officer shoved a bystander. The nurse intervened to assist the individual, agents responded by deploying pepper spray and tackling him to the ground. Bystander footage analyzed by major outlets appears to show Pretti holding a cell phone in his right hand, however DHS officials claim he approached them with a 9mm handgun intending to harm law enforcement.
Legal Challenges and Official Reactions
Video evidence suggests agents recovered a weapon from Pretti only after he was pinned and shot, this contradicts the official narrative that he brandished it. The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit citing witness testimony from a local physician, they argue the use of force was excessive and unprovoked. **DHS Secretary Kristi Noem** defended the agents involved, she insisted the operation was necessary for public safety despite the fatal outcome. Pretti was a registered nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs, he held a valid permit to carry a firearm but had no criminal record.
Public Trust Collapses Amid Jurisdictional Dispute
The incident has triggered a severe breakdown in trust between residents and federal law enforcement, local community members have begun using sirens to warn neighbors of ICE movements. Legal experts warn this case could define the limits of federal policing powers within states that oppose such tactics. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed profound anger over the event, he indicated the state may pursue an independent investigation regardless of federal protocols.
Protests are expected to expand nationally as activists rally around the conflicting accounts of Pretti's death. Civil rights attorneys anticipate filing wrongful death suits against the department, families of the victims are demanding immediate transparency and accountability.
