Federal Agents Kill Nurse in Minneapolis Clash

Federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, on January 24, 2026, at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis. The shooting happened during an immigration enforcement operation that turned chaotic, as Pretti tried to help a woman agents had pushed to the ground. This marks the second fatal shooting by federal officers in the city this month, following the death of Renee Good on January 7.

Background

Minneapolis has seen growing tension since President Trump's second term began. Federal agencies like ICE and Border Patrol have stepped up immigration raids in the city. Local residents and leaders say these actions are heavy-handed and lead to violence. Protests have filled the streets, especially after Renee Good, also 37, was killed by an ICE agent earlier this month. Good's death drew crowds to demand accountability from federal forces.

Alex Pretti joined those protests. He lived in a fourplex on Garfield Avenue, about a mile and a half from the shooting site. Neighbors described the area as quiet. An 'Abolish ICE' sign hung in a window nearby, showing local feelings about the crackdown. Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Colleagues remembered him as kind and quick to help. He had no criminal record, just some parking tickets. Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry openly or concealed.

Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, graduating from Preble High School in 2006. School officials said they were shocked by his death. He loved the outdoors and had a dog named Joule, a Catahoula Leopard, who passed away recently. Friends said his life felt like it was just starting.

Key Details

The incident unfolded around 9:05 a.m. on January 24. Videos from bystanders show ICE agents trying to enter a restaurant. They were turned away, leading to a standoff. Pretti was there filming the agents with his phone and directing traffic to keep things calm. One agent pushed a woman to the ground. Pretti stepped in, putting his arm around her to shield her.

Agents then pepper-sprayed Pretti and wrestled him down. Video shows about six agents piling on him. One agent pulled a gun away from the group less than a second before shots rang out. Witnesses and video reviews say Pretti was holding his phone, not a gun, at the time. A doctor at the scene saw at least three bullet wounds in his back, one in his upper-left chest, and a possible neck wound. Medics tried to revive him, but he died there.

Federal Account vs. Video Evidence

Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said the agent who fired had eight years on the job and training as a Range Safety Officer. He claimed Pretti wanted to do 'maximum damage' to agents and that the shooting was self-defense after disarming him. Two officers fired at least ten shots over five seconds. As of January 25, all agents involved stayed on duty but were moved out of Minneapolis for safety.

Local officials disagree. Governor Tim Walz called the federal story 'nonsense' after seeing videos. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara backed that up. A lawsuit from local leaders accuses federal agents of blocking state investigators and removing evidence. A judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop any tampering.

Pretti's family spoke out quickly. His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, said their son was a kind man who cared for veterans.

“Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.” – Michael and Susan Pretti

A sister was too upset to talk long. Colleagues shared stories too. Mac Randolph recognized Pretti from when he cared for his father, Terry, an Air Force veteran, in late 2024. Pretti explained the end-of-life care and led an honorary walk where staff saluted the gurney. Dr. Julia Grigoriev called him the 'class clown' who brightened rooms and always helped first. She rejected claims he was violent.

What This Means

This shooting has deepened the divide between federal and local authorities in Minneapolis. Protests continue, with calls to pull back federal agents. The city feels like a flashpoint in the national immigration debate. Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison say the federal presence causes more harm than good. Federal officials insist they are enforcing laws amid rising illegal immigration.

Legal fights are underway. The restraining order sets up a bigger court battle over evidence and access. Families of both Pretti and Good demand full investigations. Barack and Michelle Obama called it a wake-up call for America. More videos are being analyzed by news outlets, which could shift public views.

Minneapolis leaders worry about escalation. The second death in weeks has neighbors on edge. Hospitals like the VA mourn Pretti while treating protest injuries. Governor Walz promised justice, but with agents still working, trust is low. The crackdown shows no signs of slowing, and winter streets stay tense. Residents watch for the next move from both sides.