Full Breakdown
Federal Agents' Response to Minneapolis Shooting of Alex Pretti Under Scrutiny
1/26/2026, 5:58:53 AM
Incident Overview: Shooting of Alex Pretti
On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old protester and ICU nurse, was shot multiple times by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. Witness accounts indicate that Pretti was expressing his objections to ICE's presence when he was forcibly subdued and subsequently shot. A pediatrician who attempted to provide medical assistance after the shooting reported that ICE agents were not performing lifesaving measures but were instead "counting his bullet wounds."
Eyewitness Testimony: Lack of Medical Assistance
The unnamed physician, whose declaration is part of a civil rights complaint filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against the Department of Homeland Security, described the chaotic scene. Upon arriving, the doctor found Pretti lying on his side, surrounded by ICE agents who were not checking for a pulse or administering CPR. The physician noted, “Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice,” yet none of the agents were engaged in these actions. Instead, they reportedly stated they did not know if Pretti had a pulse.
Background: Pretti's Advocacy and Professional Background
Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse who had obtained his nursing license in 2021 and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. His father, Michael Pretti, stated that Alex was deeply concerned about the actions of ICE and felt compelled to protest as a means of expressing his care for others. The physician's declaration emphasized that Pretti was not threatening the agents but was merely vocalizing his dissent.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the incident, Border Patrol officials, including Commander Gregory Bovino, claimed that Pretti posed a threat and had intentions to "do maximum damage." They referenced a firearm allegedly belonging to Pretti but have not provided substantial evidence to support this assertion. The ACLU's complaint highlights the need for accountability regarding the use of force by federal agents.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Use of Force
Critics, including the physician who witnessed the shooting, have expressed outrage over the actions of ICE agents. The doctor stated, “I am devastated by the killing of a Minnesotan by multiple federal immigration agents,” and voiced concerns about the safety of individuals expressing dissent in public spaces. The physician also noted that in less than a month, ICE agents had shot and killed two people for similar reasons, raising alarms about the agency's conduct.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies between the accounts of the shooting provided by witnesses and the statements made by ICE officials. While witnesses assert that Pretti was not armed and posed no threat, ICE maintains that he was dangerous. The lack of transparency regarding the evidence supporting ICE's claims has led to further public scrutiny and calls for investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “None of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition,” — Anonymous Physician
- “A person should not be shot and killed for lawfully expressing their opinions.” — Anonymous Physician
- “In less than one month, ICE agents have shot and killed two people for protesting and observing their actions.” — Anonymous Physician
- “I do not feel safe in my city.” — Anonymous Physician
The shooting of Alex Pretti has ignited a debate over the use of force by federal agents and the implications for civil rights, particularly in the context of public protests against immigration enforcement.
