ICU Nurse Alex Pretti Identified as Victim of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
The man fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis has been confirmed as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse. The incident occurred on January 25, 2026, sparking outrage and conflicting narratives from authorities and witnesses.
Conflicting Accounts from Officials and Evidence
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, appointed under Donald Trump, labelled Mr Pretti a 'domestic terrorist'. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino suggested he was plotting to 'massacre law enforcement'. However, reports from the New York Times and Guardian indicate that video footage and eyewitness testimonies contradict these claims, showing Mr Pretti did not draw his legally carried firearm during the encounter.
Following the shooting, an angry crowd gathered, shouting profanities at federal officers and calling them 'cowards'. One officer responded mockingly with 'Boo hoo' as he departed the scene, further inflaming tensions.
Background and Career of Alex Pretti
Mr Pretti was a dedicated healthcare professional who studied biology, society, and the environment at the University of Minnesota. After a brief period working as a scientist, he returned to education to become a nurse. He was employed at the local Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Minneapolis prior to his death.
His father, Michael Pretti, told the Associated Press that his son participated in protests because he cared deeply about people. 'He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests,' Michael stated.
Family and Colleagues Condemn Administration's Portrayal
Mr Pretti's parents have vehemently denied the official characterisation of their son, describing the statements from the Trump administration as 'sickening lies' that are 'reprehensible and disgusting'. They asserted that video evidence shows Alex was not holding a gun when attacked, but instead had his phone in one hand and his other hand raised defensively while being pepper-sprayed.
Everett Kelley, president of the local federal employees labour union, commented on the broader context, saying, 'This tragedy did not happen in a vacuum. It is the direct result of an administration that has chosen reckless policy, inflammatory rhetoric, and manufactured crisis over responsible leadership and de-escalation.'
Dr Dmitri Drekonja, a colleague of Mr Pretti, expressed being 'enraged' by how officials portrayed him, highlighting the personal impact on those who knew him as a compassionate individual.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Reaction
The case continues to draw significant attention, with calls for transparency and accountability. The family's plea to 'get the truth out about our son' underscores the emotional and political dimensions of this incident, which has ignited debates over immigration enforcement practices and civil liberties in the United States.
