Nurse, Neighbor, Victim: The Last Seconds of Alex Pretti’s Life
The fatal shooting of ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, marks the second Minnesotan death at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, following the January 7th shooting of Renee Good. 37-year-old Alex Pretti worked for the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, serving hospitalized military veterans for approximately five years.
The Encounter
The Department of Homeland Security claims at Pretti approached ICE with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and “violently resisted” when agents attempted to disarm him. However local authorities refuted that description, along with the bystander video footage that raised questions(“What”). Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kritsti Noem, and Border Patrol at Large for US Border Patrol, Greg Bovino, claimed that, without providing supporting evidence, that Pretti arrived at the scene and Federal Officers then fired what is said to have been defensive shots after Pretti approached, both armed and resisting, by a 8-year Border Patrol Veteran(Associated). However, when asked if Pretty had displayed his gun before the encounter, neither answered. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey questioned alleged claims made by the ICE and condemned the federal government for rushing to “spin” the story. Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O’Hara said that Pretti was a legal gun owner with no criminal record (Pereira). Minnesota's Attorney General, Keith Ellison, assured the public that law enforcement is carrying out a “full, impartial and transparent” investigation into Pretti’s death(Morrow). Local law enforcement is assisted by the Minnesota National Guard (Associated).
Triggers Public Outrage
“...kind, community-oriented, and dedicated to helping others as a nurse”
Accounts from others who knew Alex called him, “kind, community-oriented, and dedicated to helping others as a nurse”. They also contradicted official accounts, saying that he was unarmed, holding a phone, and had his arms raised(Associated). Ben Sheehan, a prominent political commentator, author, series host and producer, has been very vocal about his strong stance against federal immigration officers. On January 24th, Sheehan took to Instagram to post, “I don’t know what else to say: There’s a murderous federal agency terrorizing an American city…”(@bensheehan). Driver’s License singer, Olivia Rodrigo, reposted that post on her story, followed by a repost of Sheehan’s “Guide to Calling Senators" and as well as her own take on the issue, “ICEs actions are unconscionable but were not powerless. our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.”(@oliviarodrigo). Jamie Lee Curtis, “Halloween” scream queen, took to Instagram to post an illustration displaying both Alex Pretti and Reene Good, with the message, “Pretti Good Reason for a National Strike”, (jamieleecurtis). The strong stance condemning the behavior of U.S. Border Patrol agents have been a common message with celebrities and athletes across America.
What Followed the Gunfire
The shooting triggered mass protests across Minnesota amidst a federal immigration crackdown. Vigils and rallies occur near the scene of the crime. While the state of Minnesota is leading an investigation, DHS, with the assistance of the FBI, is also leading an investigation. Following the shooting, Democratic leaders widely condemned federal immigration officers and called for defunding, abolishment and even an impeachment of Secretary Noem. As more Congressional Democrats threaten to block DHS funding of U.S. Border Patrol agents, this increases the risk of a government shutdown. The House Homeland Security Member, Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), requests ICE, CSB, and USCIS leaders to testify in front of Congress in a public hearing expected within 2 months(Associated). For the past couple of weeks, Minnesota has become a flashpoint for the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement strategy. Critics describe federal operations as militarized and tyranny, while supporters argue they are necessary for public safety. .
Works Cited
- ABC News. "What we know about the latest Minneapolis shooting by federal agents." Eyewitness News, ABC News, 25 Jan. 2026, abc7chicago.com/post/alex-pretti-shooting-video-what-know-minneapolis-border-patrol-agent-kills-icu-nurse/18470920/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
- Associated Press. "Man shot and killed by federal officers in Minnesota was an ICU nurse, his parents say." PBS, 25 Jan. 2026, www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/man-shot-and-killed-by-federal-officers-in-minnesota-was-an-icu-nurse-his-parents-say. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
- Curtis, Jamie Lee. Illustration. Instagram, 25 Jan. 2026, @jamieleecurtis.
- Morrow, Brendan. "Olivia Rodrigo, Jamie Lee Curtis, more stars condemn Alex Pretti killing." USA Today, 25 Jan. 2026, www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/01/25/alex-pretti-minneapolis-shooting-celebrity-reactions/88348032007/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
- Pereira, Ivan, and Mark Guarino. "What we know about Alex Pretti, VA nurse killed by federal agent in Minneapolis." ABC News, 24 Jan. 2026, abcnews.go.com/US/alex-pretti-icu-nurse-killed-federal-agent-minneapolis/story?id=129525591. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
- Sanchez, Zaydee, and NPR. Photograph of vigil sign for Alex Pretti. 25 Jan. 2026.