US Border Patrol Shooting in Minneapolis: ICU Nurse Killed Amid Immigration Crackdown

MINNEAPOLIS – The fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a VA hospital, by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis has ignited a firestorm of controversy and grief. Family members have expressed profound distress over the lack of immediate information from authorities following the incident, learning of their son's death initially through a media inquiry.Pretti, described by his parents as a compassionate individual deeply concerned by the Trump administration's immigration policies, was killed on Saturday, January 24, 2026. His family stated he was motivated by a strong sense of justice and had participated in protests against immigration enforcement actions, including the recent killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer."He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset," said Michael Pretti, Alex's father. "He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests."Homeland Security officials stated that Pretti approached officers with a handgun. However, bystander videos have emerged showing Pretti holding a phone, with no clear indication of a visible weapon. The family confirmed Pretti owned a handgun and possessed a concealed carry permit but stated they were unaware of him carrying it. They have vehemently disputed official narratives, calling them "sickening lies" and asserting that videos show their son shielding a woman from pepper spray, not brandishing a weapon.The incident underscores the escalating tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in American cities. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota confirmed he had been in contact with the White House following the shooting, highlighting the federal nature of the response and the potential for broader implications on civil liberties and community relations.Pretti, a U.S. citizen born in Illinois, had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations, according to court records. Neighbors described him as a quiet, warm-hearted individual dedicated to his work as a nurse and his passion for the outdoors. His parents, residing in Colorado, last spoke to him days before his death, recalling a conversation where he expressed concern about environmental deregulation and demonstrated generosity towards a Latino worker performing repairs at his home.The family's struggle to obtain information from local and federal law enforcement agencies has amplified their anguish, raising critical questions about official communication protocols and transparency in the aftermath of officer-involved shootings. The circumstances surrounding Pretti's death, particularly the conflicting accounts of his actions, are expected to fuel further scrutiny of U.S. Border Patrol operations and the broader immigration enforcement apparatus.This report is based on information provided by the Associated Press.