MINNEAPOLIS — A federal immigration officer shot and killed a 37-year-old man, identified as Alex Pretti, on Saturday in Minneapolis, leading to heated protests in a city still reeling from previous police violence. The incident has sparked outrage among community members and raised questions about federal law enforcement actions in urban areas.
Pretti, who worked as an intensive care nurse and had previously demonstrated against immigration policies under former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during what the Department of Homeland Security described as an operation involving an armed suspect. Eyewitness accounts and video footage complicate the narrative, revealing conflicting claims about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Key Developments
- Pretti’s family expressed anger and heartbreak, labeling him as a victim of misinformation and an unjust shooting.
- Protests erupted immediately after the shooting, with demonstrators accusing federal agents of aggression and calling for accountability.
- The Minnesota National Guard has been deployed to assist local police amid heightened tensions.
- The officer involved has extensive training in law enforcement and has served for eight years with Border Patrol.
- Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota would lead the investigation despite federal intervention.
Full Report
Shocking Incident Sparks Outrage
The shooting occurred during a federal operation, according to authorities. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson claimed that Pretti approached agents while armed and resisted attempts to disarm him. However, bystander videos surfaced showing Pretti with a cellphone in his hand and raising his empty left hand, seemingly in a gesture of surrender. The Minneapolis Police Chief indicated that they believe Pretti was a lawful gun owner with the appropriate permits.
Community Response
In the aftermath, protests swiftly erupted, with hundreds gathering in frigid temperatures to voice their anger toward the federal officers. Protesters clashed with law enforcement, and chants of “ICE out now” echoed through the streets. Local businesses opened their doors to provide warmth and refreshments for demonstrators as they mourned Pretti and demanded justice.
Government Reactions
Amid rising tensions, Trump criticized local leaders for their handling of the situation. He asserted that Democrats were fueling unrest and questioned the lack of local police support for ICE agents. In contrast, Governor Walz expressed his lack of confidence in federal operations and emphasized that the state would take the lead on the ongoing investigation.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
Federal officials, including a spokesperson from the U.S. Border Patrol, framed the incident as an assault on law enforcement, underscoring the perceived threats to agents in urban environments. However, this narrative has been met with skepticism by the community and activists, who insist that accountability is necessary for restorative justice.
Context & Previous Events
This tragedy adds another chapter to Minneapolis’s history of police violence. The site of Pretti’s shooting is notably close to where another fatal incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers took place just weeks earlier, fueling a climate of fear and resentment among local residents.
