On Saturday, federal law enforcement shot and killed 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This tragic incident happened as part of a highly controversial and dangerous immigration enforcement sting. Family members and eyewitnesses at the scene say that Pretti was unarmed. He didn’t go to the agents simply to assist an unarmed man they were beating and forcibly arresting. The incident raises alarming questions about the way federal law enforcement officers use force. This has led many to demand accountability.
Pretti is in serious condition after being shot several times. He received no less than three gunshot wounds to his back and one shot to his upper left chest. Other reports have even claimed he suffered a bullet wound to his neck as well. According to eyewitness accounts, Pretti never drew a firearm or otherwise threatened the agents as he approached them. This cuts against the written guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Witnesses say Pretti’s heroic actions made him a Good Samaritan. He was charged for supposedly trying to help a person who was knocked to the ground by federal law enforcement officers. It was captured on video by an eyewitness, a children’s entertainer who specializes in face painting. She’s been candid since then, sharing her first-hand account of what transpired.
“The agents pulled the man on the ground. I didn’t see him touch any of them – he wasn’t even turned toward them. It didn’t look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up. I didn’t see him with a gun.” – Eyewitness
The encounter escalated rapidly. According to the reports, four or five agents dogpiled Pretti to the ground before shooting him. During the confrontation, a federal agent used a chemical irritant. It had catastrophic consequences for Pretti and the woman whose life he was trying to save.
A 29-year-old local physician who saw the shooting after it happened from a window in an adjacent apartment. He was understandably upset when he was first stopped from bringing Pretti any medical help. The physician added a sense of urgency, calling the situation an emergency.
“At first the ICE agents wouldn’t let me through,” she said. “But none of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition. I insisted that the ICE agents let me assess him.”
The killing was the latest act in a nationwide immigration enforcement effort commanded by the city’s homeland security officials. As part of this crackdown, the resulting ongoing enforcement actions have received fierce condemnation from local communities and civil rights organizations. In direct response to building barriers and tensions, the ACLU hit back. They filed case on behalf of Minneapolis protesters against Kristi Noem and other homeland security officials.
Eyewitnesses have already reported feeling terrified, fearing their own future arrest after witnessing the shooting. As one person put it simply, “I am traumatized. Just yesterday, I saw a guy get shot right in front of me.” They added, “I can’t go home because I heard ICE is looking for me. I’m not sure what they would do if they find me, but I know that what they are saying about what happened is not true.
The reaction to the killing of Alex Pretti has sparked protests across the country. Community members and advocacy organizations have called for accountability and transparency during the investigation. Local activists want to make sure that any future law enforcement activity is well documented. This is particularly important in light of the recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“I’ve been involved in observing in my community, because it is so important to document what ICE is doing to my neighbors.” – Community activist