On January 24, 2026, U.S. border patrol officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse. This avoidable crash happened in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the time that federal agents accosted him, Pretti was on the frontlines closely tracking the government’s immigration crackdown. While the police first approached him, he did have a cellphone in his hand. This directly refutes assertions that he brandished an item as a weapon towards the officers. Since this incident, there has been increased pressure for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death.
Eyewitnesses to the encounter have stepped forward, testifying that Pretti never drew a gun or pointed a gun at police during the incident. They argue that video evidence corroborates their claims, in particular showing that the authorities misrepresented Pretti’s actions. The federal agents wrestled him to the ground and then shot him. This tragic event ignited protests across the city and reignited calls for accountability from local and national leaders.
So in the wake of this tragedy a GoFundMe campaign started under the title “Alex Pretti is an American Hero.” Fallen Heroes Fund has successfully raised more than $1 million for his family. Please donate to the fundraiser to help get them through this hard time. If the money cannot be sent to Pretti’s family, we will pass it on to the Immigrant Defense Project. This organization has been the first line of defense, providing critical resources to immigrants facing legal challenges.
Pretti’s family released the following statement about their loss while acknowledging their heartbreak and frustration with the events that occurred. They strongly condemned the administration, labeling it a purveyor of “sickening lies” concerning their son. Because they knew full well that he wasn’t a threat at the time of his killing.
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.” – Alex Pretti’s family
Alex’s killing, and the brutal harassments that community members witnessed, has sparked a mass public outcry. Thousands of citizens are calling for a full investigation into the double shooting by the feds who acted in this incident. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been a champion for accountability, challenging the federal government’s authority and tactics in immigration enforcement operations.
“What’s the plan, Donald Trump? What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state?” – Tim Walz
Former President Barack Obama weighed in on what was happening. He termed it a wake-up call to Americans to understand the erosion of our national values, the core national values.
“This is a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.” – Barack Obama
Even former President Donald Trump weighed on the issue in a Trump-centric press conference yesterday. He heard the public’s concerns and prioritized the control of immigration in an effective favorable way.
“We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination.” – Donald Trump
He went on to elaborate on his distaste for violence while doubling down again on being pro law enforcement.
“I don’t like any shooting. I don’t like it,” – Donald Trump
The protests and public outrage over Pretti’s killing are on the rise. Individuals and organizations are increasingly challenging systemic abuses of power in immigration enforcement practices. Many advocates argue that the incident underscores the urgent need for humane approaches to immigration control that do not involve excessive force.
Protests are escalating in Minneapolis and across the country. Local community members are coming together to provide support to Alex Pretti’s family, and they are determined and fired up to get justice. As long as this tragic event leads to productive conversations, starting with police practices. It raises the need for a deeper look at immigration policies nationwide.