Alex Pretti was killed when two federal officers fired shots during a confrontation in Minneapolis, according to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) notice sent to Congress on Tuesday.
At a Glance
- Two CBP officers fired Glock pistols after a struggle with a restrained ICU nurse.
- A Border Patrol agent repeatedly shouted, “He’s got a gun!” during the encounter.
- President Donald Trump ordered border czar Tom Homan to take over the Minnesota operation the day after the death.
- Why it matters: The incident has prompted a federal investigation, a shift in U.S. immigration enforcement strategy in Minnesota, and judicial scrutiny of ICE actions.
The notice, released by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, was sent within the 72 hours required by law to inform congressional committees of deaths in CBP custody.
Federal Investigation Findings
The CBP notice stated that a Border Patrol officer and a CBP officer each fired Glock pistols. Investigators reviewed body-worn camera footage and agency documentation. The agent’s repeated shout of “He’s got a gun!” was captured on video.
CBP officials confirmed that the officers attempted to take Pretti into custody and that he resisted, leading to a struggle. The investigation is ongoing, and the CBP office has released the footage to the public.
Trump’s Response and Policy Shift
President Donald Trump said a “big investigation” was underway as he left the White House Tuesday. In a Fox News interview, he added, “We’re going to de-escalate a little bit,” and that Tom Homan, “as tough as he is, gets along” with governors and mayors.
Trump also described Homan as a “pretty out-there kind of a guy” and said, “maybe it wasn’t good here.” His remarks followed the appointment of Homan to replace Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino.
The president’s comments came amid ongoing immigration raids across the Twin Cities, which have not led to major confrontations in recent weeks.
Local Officials and Community Reaction
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz met with Homan and called for impartial investigations into the shootings involving federal officers. The mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, and Police Chief Brian O’Hara also met with Homan and described the conversation as “productive.”
Walz’s office said the governor met with Homan on Monday and urged continued dialogue. Frey emphasized that city leaders would keep talking with the border czar.
Community groups that monitor enforcement operations through social media noted that the level of activity in Minneapolis remained comparable to recent weeks.
Judicial Actions and ICE Oversight
U.S. Judge Fred Biery issued a temporary order in Texas prohibiting the removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father, who were detained in Minnesota. The order remains in effect while a court case proceeds.
Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz expressed frustration with the Trump administration’s handling of immigration cases. He ordered ICE acting director Todd Lyons to appear personally in his courtroom.
Schiltz’s order followed a federal hearing where the state and mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul requested a halt to the immigration enforcement surge. The judge stated he would prioritize the ruling but did not give a timeline.
Schiltz noted that ordering the head of a federal agency to appear personally is extraordinary, but the extent of ICE’s violations of court orders is likewise extraordinary.
Key Takeaways
- Two federal officers fired shots that killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
- The CBP investigation is based on body-worn footage and documentation.
- President Donald Trump appointed Tom Homan to oversee Minnesota operations and called for de-escalation.
- Local officials and community groups are demanding impartial investigations.
- Federal judges have taken unprecedented steps to hold ICE accountable.
The incident underscores the tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, and it has sparked a nationwide debate about the conduct of federal officers in custody.
