At a Glance
- A 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, was shot point-blank by an ICE agent on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis.
- A Minneapolis woman who witnessed the incident says she was five feet from Pretti when he was shot and now feels unsafe.
- Other witnesses, including a pediatrician and police, describe a chaotic scene where agents used pepper spray and failed to provide medical aid.
- Why it matters: The incident raises questions about federal immigration enforcement practices and the treatment of civilians in Minnesota.
The shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by a federal immigration agent on January 24, 2026 has prompted a wave of witness testimony and public outcry. A Minneapolis woman who stood near Pretti during the confrontation says she was only five feet away when the agent fired. Other observers, including a pediatrician and police officials, have described a chaotic scene in which pepper spray was used and medical assistance was delayed.
Witness Testimony
The Minneapolis woman, who works as a children’s entertainer specializing in face painting, was leaving her home when she heard whistles outside. She says she saw a convoy of government vehicles and about 15 observers, some recording on their phones, near Nicollet Ave. She describes the sequence of events:
- Pretti was directing traffic and filming the scene on his cell phone.
- An ICE agent shoved another observer to the ground and then pepper-sprayed three people, including Pretti.
- Pretti raised his hands, was sprayed again, and was pushed to the ground.
- Four or five agents then shot him multiple times.
> “I didn’t see him touch any of them – he wasn’t even turned toward them. It didn’t look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up,” the witness said.
She says she now feels unsafe, adding that she heard agents were looking for her. She submitted the video she took of the incident as evidence.
Other Witnesses
A 29-year-old licensed pediatrician also testified about the fatal shooting. The physician stated that:
- ICE agents did not perform CPR or check for a pulse.
- The physician had to plead with agents to allow him to assess Pretti.
- Agents asked for a medical license before permitting the physician to approach.
- After the physician began CPR, medics arrived and pronounced Pretti dead.
> “None of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition,” the physician said.
Another witness, a woman who had been observing in her community since federal immigration agents arrived, noted that agents forced observers back and threatened them with pepper spray.
Police Confirmation
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed in a press conference that Pretti was a “lawful gun owner” with a license to carry. He reiterated that the shooting was unprovoked.
Family Statement
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, released a statement expressing heartbreak and anger. They called the administration’s claims “reprehensible and disgusting” and insisted that Alex was not armed. The parents said:
> “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”
They urged the public to “get the truth out about our son” and to expose the “sickening lies” told by the administration.
Reactions and Context
The incident has drawn criticism from local residents and civil-rights advocates who argue that federal agents used excessive force. The witness who submitted the video says the footage does not match the initial statements from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, former Trump administration officials, or the Department of Homeland Security.
> “The man did not approach the agents with a gun. He approached them with a camera,” the witness said.
The witness also expressed fear that agents might target her after the shooting, stating she feels “afraid” and that she was told agents were looking for her.
The case is now part of a broader investigation that lists Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other DHS and ICE officials as defendants. Six witnesses have submitted affidavits detailing the moments before and after Pretti’s death.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot by an ICE agent on January 24, 2026.
- Witnesses report pepper spray, failure to provide medical aid, and multiple shots fired.
- The incident has sparked a broader investigation involving DHS and ICE officials.
- Pretti’s family and local witnesses demand a transparent inquiry into the shooting.
- The event highlights ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The shooting of Alex Pretti has become a focal point for discussions about the conduct of federal agents in civilian contexts and the need for accountability in immigration enforcement.
