Controversy Erupts Over Minneapolis Shooting of Anti-ICE Protester

A Minneapolis shooting incident involving 37-year-old Alex Pretti has ignited a fierce debate, as conflicting narratives emerge from his family and the Trump administration. Pretti, an ICU nurse with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was shot while allegedly resisting arrest during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why It Matters

This incident not only raises questions about the use of lethal force by federal agents but also highlights the broader tensions surrounding immigration policies and community responses. The shooting of a prominent anti-ICE activist poses significant implications for both public sentiment and law enforcement practices in an era marked by rising activism against immigration enforcement.

Key Developments

• The Trump administration claims Pretti was armed and resisted arrest, prompting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to state that the ICE agent acted out of fear for his life.

• Footage from the scene shows Pretti engaged in a scuffle with ICE agents while attempting to assist another protester.

• Following the incident, a federal judge temporarily halted the destruction or alteration of evidence related to the shooting, responding to a lawsuit by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

• Pretti’s family has vehemently defended him, condemning the authorities’ portrayal of him as "reprehensible" and "sickening."

• A hearing is set for Monday regarding the injunction, which restricts federal officials from destroying evidence linked to the case.

Full Report

The Incident

Alex Pretti was fatally shot on January 24, 2026, during a protest against ICE in Minneapolis. Pretti was reportedly armed at the time, carrying a sidearm and multiple magazines. According to Secretary Noem, the ICE agent involved in the shooting felt threatened, leading to the agent firing his weapon.

However, footage shows Pretti disarmed in a struggle right before he was killed and attempting to aid another protester who had been forcibly removed by law enforcement. His parents condemned the law enforcement narrative, expressing outrage over the claims that their son was violently resisting arrest.

Legal Developments

In response to the unfolding crisis, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, alongside the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, filed a lawsuit seeking to ensure that evidence from the scene remains intact. A federal court granted a temporary injunction, preventing any alteration or destruction of evidence, reinforcing community demands for transparency.

Family Response

Pretti’s parents articulated their grief, stating they were "heartbroken but also very angry." They rejected the characterization of their son presented by the administration, emphasizing his compassion and commitment to serving American veterans. They described the representation of Pretti as a gun-wielding assailant as "disgusting" and called for a thorough investigation.

Administration Stance

The Trump administration has doubled down on its assertion that Pretti posed a threat to federal officers. Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff, labeled him a "would-be assassin," further inflaming public sentiment. Amidst these claims, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has demanded an impartial investigation, voicing his own feelings of grief and anger regarding Pretti’s death.

Context & Previous Events

This incident marks the second shooting of an anti-ICE protester in Minneapolis within the same month, highlighting growing unrest surrounding federal immigration enforcement. The precarious balance between activism and law enforcement in such situations is becoming a contentious issue in public discourse, revealing deep societal divides over immigration policy and community safety.