A tragic incident unfolded in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, when a federal Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Pretti’s family described him as a compassionate individual who cared deeply about his community and was actively engaged in social issues, particularly regarding immigration policies.
According to officials, the shooting occurred during a confrontation with Border Patrol officers. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Pretti approached the officers while allegedly carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. However, it remains unclear if he brandished the weapon during the encounter, as video footage from bystanders did not show him doing so. Pretti’s family confirmed that he had a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Minnesota and owned a handgun, but they expressed surprise at the suggestion he might have been carrying it in public.
Pretti’s father, Michael Pretti, stated that his son had no criminal record and had minimal interactions with law enforcement, aside from a few minor traffic violations. He emphasized that the family had recently advised Alex to engage peacefully in any protests he participated in. “We had this discussion with him two weeks ago… he knew to avoid confrontation,” Michael Pretti said.
Background and Community Impact
Born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Pretti graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society, and the environment. He worked as a research scientist before pursuing a career in nursing. Known as an avid outdoorsman, Pretti had a deep love for nature and often spent time hiking with his Catahoula Leopard dog, who passed away recently. His commitment to social justice was evident as he participated in protests against immigration enforcement, particularly in the wake of incidents involving law enforcement.
His ex-wife, Rachel N. Canoun, remarked that Pretti was vocal about his opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. “He felt the injustice of it,” she stated, recalling his participation in street protests following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Canoun noted that while Pretti had a concealed carry permit, she had never known him to be confrontational or engage in violence.
Neighbors described Pretti as warmhearted and helpful. He lived alone but maintained friendships, often inviting guests over to his home. One neighbor, Sue Gitar, praised him as a “wonderful person” who would often assist others in the community. The idea of Pretti carrying a firearm in public surprised those who knew him, as he was more known for his kindness than for any aggressive behavior.
Official Responses and Investigations
The shooting has prompted a significant response from local officials. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the actions of federal agents, questioning their professionalism and the tactics employed during the operation. “How many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?” he asked, calling for accountability.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns about the federal enforcement operations in the city. The mayor’s remarks highlighted the growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community safety.
As investigations continue, local and state law enforcement agencies are looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Pretti’s family has expressed frustration at the lack of communication from authorities following the incident. They first learned of the shooting through a call from a reporter and struggled to obtain information from law enforcement.
The tragic death of Alex Pretti raises important questions about the conduct of federal agents and the implications of immigration enforcement policies in urban areas. As the investigation unfolds, community members and advocates are demanding clarity and accountability in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.
