Federal Agents Fatally Shoot ICU Nurse Amid Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown

Federal agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The incident has intensified public outcry over federal immigration tactics in the city.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti was armed and resisted disarmament efforts, prompting a Border Patrol agent to open fire. However, bystander videos reportedly show Pretti holding only a phone during the confrontation. His family disputes the DHS account, asserting that Pretti was a lawful gun owner who did not brandish a weapon during the incident.

Pretti's father stated that his son was deeply concerned about the treatment of individuals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and participated in protests to express that concern peacefully. Colleagues described Pretti as compassionate and dedicated to his patients.

The shooting has led to widespread protests in Minneapolis, with demonstrators demanding accountability and a reevaluation of federal immigration enforcement practices. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal response and called for a state-led independent investigation into the incident.