Man Killed During Immigration Operation Identified

A man fatally shot by a federal immigration officer during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37. Officials say the incident occurred on Nicollet Avenue during a broader federal immigration crackdown. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti was armed with a firearm and two magazines, and the situation remains under review.

What Happened

Video obtained by the Associated Press shows a tense confrontation between federal agents and bystanders. In the footage, officers shove and restrain Pretti amid shouting and whistles. At least one officer knelt on his back as others attempted to subdue him. Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Pretti was left motionless on the pavement. Hospital records confirmed he died from at least one gunshot wound.

Who He Was

Pretti was a U.S. citizen and an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Colleagues described him as deeply compassionate. “He wanted to help people,” said Dr. Dimitri Drekonja. “He was a super nice, super helpful guy… I’m just stunned.” His family said he cared deeply about social and environmental issues and was troubled by recent federal actions. His mother recalled, “He hated that, you know, people were just trashing the land.”

Community Context

Pretti’s death comes weeks after another fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, intensifying public scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement. His father said Pretti believed protesting was a way to show compassion, explaining, “He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening… with ICE.” Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.