shot and killed by federal immigration enforcement officers in an event that has horrified his community and sparked extensive debate around the nation, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse renowned for his great caring for people and dedication to social justice.
Illinois native Pretti grew up wanting to support others. He went after nursing after finishing the University of Minnesota and obtained his 2021 license. Later working at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, coworkers recall him as a calm, professional, empathetic, and witty critical care nurse. He was someone who "wanted to help people" and brought strength and optimism to the ICU staff, according to a supervisor.
Apart from his work, Pretti was a devoted outdoorsman. He found delight in cycling, going on adventures with his cherished dog, and spending time in nature. Friends and relatives remarked on his quiet demeanor, inquisitive mind, and willingness to help anyone in need.
Alex Pretti was in South Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement action on January 24, 2026, part of a bigger campaign by the Department of Homeland Security called Operation Metro Surge. Following earlier shootings by federal authorities in the city, these enforcement measures had already sparked significant demonstrations.
Pretti approached a group of U.S. Border Patrol agents with a pistol during the operation, leading one agent to fire what DHS referred to as "defensive shots," according to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security. Local police reported that, other than minor traffic infractions, he had no major criminal record and was a legal private firearm owner with a valid permit.
Many witnesses as well as his relatives, however, contradict this version of events. Eyewitness accounts and video on the internet show Pretti quietly recording federal officers on his phone and trying to help a woman who had been pushed to the ground close by. The video does not provide conclusive evidence that he was waving a gun before he was shot several times after being tackled.
Michael Pretti, his father, stated his son had joined demonstrations out of worry for his community and social justice—not to challenge law enforcement. "He cared about people deeply," his father told journalists, adding that Alex viewed calm protest as a means to show that love.
The circumstances of his death have sparked a lot of public outrage. The shooting was decried by Minnesota's governor and other authorities, who also demanded openness and responsibility. Protesters congregated at the location, and many among the medical and nursing fraternities grieved the death of a friend loved and admired.
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