Political Leaders Respond After ICU Nurse Alex Pretti Dies in Federal Enforcement Incident in Minneapolis
The killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis on January 24th has intensified national debates over force and accountability. Pretti, who worked at the VA and had no major criminal record, was shot by a Border Patrol agent.
This occurred as part of Operation Metro Surge, marking the second such fatal shooting in the city this month following the death of Renée Good. The incident has rapidly fueled public outrage and mourning.
Pretti is remembered by friends as a deeply compassionate caregiver dedicated to helping veterans. His death has moved quickly from official reports to community vigils.
Federal authorities state the agent fired because Pretti approached with a weapon and resisted. This account is contested by multiple bystander videos and witnesses.
These recordings show Pretti holding a phone before being shot and do not clearly support the claim he posed an imminent threat. Some experts reviewing the footage question the justification for lethal force.
In Minneapolis, residents have been documenting federal enforcement activity, viewing such recording as a lawful civic duty to ensure accountability. The site of the shooting has become a gathering place for mourning and protest.
With multiple investigations ongoing, core questions concern the use of force, evidence transparency, and local-federal coordination. The case remains a focal point in wider calls for oversight.
