Alex Pretti Border Patrol Shooting
Minneapolis, USA – January 25, 2026 (SBKI News International Desk) – In a shocking escalation of tensions over President Donald Trump’s 2026 mass deportation campaign, 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during protests in south Minneapolis on January 24. Identified by family and authorities as a U.S. citizen with no criminal record, Pretti’s death— the second fatal shooting by federal agents this month—has ignited national outrage, with bystander videos contradicting the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) self-defense claim. As protests rage, Minneapolis leaders demand ICE withdrawal, calling it a “rush to judgment.”
Victim Profile: Dedicated Nurse and Quiet Activist
Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and ICU nurse at the VA Medical Center, graduated from Green Bay Area Public School District in 2006. Colleagues remember him as a compassionate caregiver who saved countless veterans’ lives during long shifts. “Alex was the one who stayed late for patients, fixed neighbors’ gas leaks, and cared for his dying dog Joule,” said coworker Sue Gitar. An avid outdoorsman and competitive cyclist, Pretti lived a low-key life in a quiet condo, his only police interactions being parking tickets.
Family describes him as deeply empathetic, motivated to protest after Border Patrol agent killed Renee Nicole Good on January 7 during similar anti-ICE demonstrations. Ex-wife Rachel Canoun confirmed his activism roots in 2020 George Floyd protests but emphasized: “He was never violent—felt injustice profoundly.” Pretti legally owned a 9mm handgun with a Minnesota concealed carry permit, valid under state’s post-2023 open-carry laws. No evidence of brandishing in videos.
#Alex Pretti
Shooting Timeline: 9:05 AM Chaos
The incident unfolded at 9:05 AM during a rally against ICE’s Minnesota raids (2,500 arrests that week). Border Patrol’s Tactical Response Team was targeting an undocumented assault suspect when Pretti allegedly approached. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin: “Agents tried disarming him as he violently resisted with a 9mm semi-automatic. Fearing for lives, an agent fired defensively.” Commander Greg Bovino called the shooter “highly trained” (8 years service). Pretti pronounced dead on scene despite aid.
Bystander videos (authenticated by BBC, CNN; 15M+ views) tell a different story: Pretti raises hands holding phone, shielding a woman from pepper spray. Agents tackle, strike him multiple times on ground before single shot. Post-shooting, officer removes gun from waistband—no footage of draw or threat. Minneapolis PD Chief Brian O’Hara: “Legal gun owner, no criminal history.”
#Alex Pretti
Federal vs. Local Narratives Collide
DHS released gun photo, claiming “armed aggressor.” Trump posted on Truth Social: “Why no local police? Mayor/Governor called them off—ICE left alone.” Family rebuttal: “Sickening lies. Alex held phone, protected protester from spray. Share truth about our good son.” No federal family contact; learned via AP, confirmed by coroner.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey seeks TRO Monday halting ICE ops: “Not public safety.” Gov. Tim Walz eyes National Guard aid for MPD. Democrats blast “rush to judgment”; Republicans defend agents. Hennepin ME autopsy pending; FBI leads probe.
#Alex Pretti
Protest Context: Trump’s Deportation Fury
Second fatality follows Good’s death, sparking week-long clashes. Trump’s ops target 15M undocumented (10M+ deportations pledged). Minneapolis sanctuary policies clash with federal mandate; 47 arrests post-shooting amid tear gas. #JusticeForAlex trends (5M posts); Al Sharpton vigil planned. Civil rights groups DOJ complaint filed.
Legal experts: MN permit valid; if holstered, no imminent threat—excessive force possible. Precedents: 2024 Portland justified; 2023 Atlanta acquitted.
#Alex Pretti
Family’s Anguished Plea
Parents Michael and family last spoke days prior about garage tip to Latino worker amid deportation fears. “He knew risks but cared deeply,” Michael told AP. Statement demands video release, accountability: “Reprehensible portrayal.” Ex-wife: Democratic since Floyd, protected vulnerable. Neighbors: “Warmhearted helper.”
#Alex Pretti
Colleague Tributes Pour In
VA: “Deeply saddened; cooperating.” ICU unit mourns: “Saved veterans daily.” No patient disruptions.
#Alex Pretti
Video Forensics Breakdown
CNN analysis: 4 angles show hands up, phone visible; tackle during de-escalation attempt. No advance on agents; gun holstered. DHS silent on discrepancies. MPD independent review.
Political Ramifications Explode
Walz/Frey admonish feds; Frey: “Limited MPD stretched thin.” Trump blames sanctuary leaders. MN Dems threaten funding cuts; GOP “back the blue.” Protests spread Chicago, Portland.
Armed Protester Rights in MN
Constitutional carry since 2023; permit not required for holstered. Federal ROE: Imminent danger threshold questioned by videos.
#Alex Pretti
Community Mourns Hero
Condos echo loss: “Great heart, fixed everything.” Bike club remembers racer. Private service likely; no date.
Probe and Next Steps
FBI/DOJ no timeline; MPD: “Ongoing.” Family demands transparency. Hennepin autopsy toxicology pending.AP News