Federal Judge Orders Evidence Preservation Following Fatal Shooting by Border Patrol in Minneapolis
A U.S. District Court judge issued an emergency order late in January 2026 preventing the Department of Homeland Security from destroying or altering records related to the death of Alexander Pretti. This legal intervention follows an urgent lawsuit filed by Minnesota state officials, they fear federal agents might suppress critical body camera footage and internal communications regarding the controversial shooting.
Operation Metro Surge Increases Tensions Since January
Minneapolis has faced rising instability since the federal government launched "Operation Metro Surge" earlier this year, the initiative deployed thousands of armed agents into the Twin Cities area. Local leaders including Governor Tim Walz have characterized this heavy presence as an occupation rather than standard law enforcement, the atmosphere has become increasingly volatile following multiple confrontations between residents and federal officers. The death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti on January 24 marks the third major shooting involving federal personnel in 2026, it follows the fatal shooting of Renée Good just weeks prior. These incidents have reignited debates over police reform that have persisted in the city since 2020, state authorities argue that federal agents are operating without necessary local oversight or accountability.
State Officials Challenge Federal Narrative in Court
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined local prosecutors to demand immediate federal transparency, they filed an emergency motion arguing that federal entities might delete evidence before a full investigation occurs. The court granted a temporary restraining order that legally bars the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and federal agencies from removing or tampering with physical items from the scene. Federal reports initially claimed Pretti approached agents with a 9mm handgun during an armed struggle, however independent reviews and bystander videos suggest the victim was actually holding a cell phone while directing traffic.
The discrepancy between official accounts and video evidence prompted Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty to assert local jurisdiction over the case, she insists that state laws regarding homicide investigations must apply to federal agents operating on city streets. The preservation order covers all electronic data and physical debris found on Nicollet Avenue, this ensures that investigators can independently verify the sequence of events. Legal filings indicate that state prosecutors are prepared to challenge federal immunity claims, they argue that the alleged conduct falls outside the scope of lawful duties.
Legal Precedent Tests Limits of Federal Immunity
This judicial intervention establishes a critical boundary for state authority during federal operations, legal experts warn the case could trigger a constitutional conflict regarding the Tenth Amendment. Hennepin County officials may pursue state-level criminal charges against the agents involved if the preserved evidence supports prosecution, the outcome will likely influence future interactions between local police and federal task forces. Residents have organized protests demanding accountability while businesses face disruptions due to the ongoing unrest, trust in federal law enforcement has significantly eroded across the region.
Local officials urge the public to remain peaceful as the legal process unfolds, the court has blocked any destruction of evidence until further hearings determine the next steps in the investigation.
