On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded in Minneapolis when a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti during a protest. This shooting followed a critique from Minnesota's Democratic leaders who expressed that the footage of the incident demonstrated federal officers overreacting due to a lack of training. In contrast, the Trump administration defended the actions of the agents, claiming that Pretti provoked the violence.
This incident marked the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this month involving federal immigration authorities. The first occurred on January 7 and involved Renee Good, producing a divisive response among political figures similar to that following Pretti's death.
Reports indicate that the shooting occurred around 9 a.m. when Border Patrol agents confronted Pretti during a pursuit of a man illegally residing in the country who was wanted for domestic assault. During the operation, protesters, including Pretti, attempted to disrupt the officers' actions by using high-pitched whistles, honking horns, and shouting, causing heightened tension.
Video footage shows Pretti engaging with an officer in tactical gear, who pushes him back toward the sidewalk. Although it remains unclear what was being communicated, it was evident that the situation escalated. At one point, an officer began to use pepper spray on Pretti and others, heightening the clash between the agents and protesters.
As the confrontation intensified, multiple federal officers surrounded Pretti. During the struggle, an officer pulled his weapon. In the ensuing chaos, someone shouted “gun,” which alluded to Pretti allegedly possessing a weapon. Pretti was then shot several times after he reportedly approached officers while armed with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Officials asserted that the agents fired “defensive shots” as they attempted to subdue him.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed deep concern after viewing the footage, describing it as “sickening,” and highlighted his perception that federal officers are invading the local community, a sentiment stemming from the administration's large-scale immigration operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Governor Tim Walz shared similar feelings about the incident’s characterization, questioning the justification for the shooting.
In reaction to the incident, President Donald Trump took to social media to express discontent with both Frey and Walz, emphasizing concerns regarding local law enforcement's absence during the incident. Trump shared images of the firearm said to have been recovered from Pretti, questioning the official narrative and the lack of local police presence to support immigration enforcement actions.
This incident continues to fuel debates surrounding the involvement of federal immigration authorities in local matters and raises questions about the appropriate use of force in confronting protestors and individuals resisting arrest. The differing narratives from state leaders and federal officials underscore the complexities of law enforcement practices within communities amidst ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
