What We Know About a Second Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents in Minneapolis



Minneapolis is once again at the center of national attention after a second fatal shooting by federal law enforcement officers in less than three weeks. The incident has ignited protests, intensified political debate over federal immigration enforcement, and raised deep concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of force — especially by agencies operating outside local control.

A City Already on Edge

On January 24, 2026, federal agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti in south Minneapolis in what marked the second fatal shooting involving federal law enforcement this month. Pretti’s death followed that of Renée Good, a Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed on January 7, 2026 by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an enforcement operation.

The rapid succession of these fatal encounters has stirred frustration and fear throughout the city and made Minneapolis a focal point for national debate on federal operations in urban communities.

Who Was Alex Pretti?

Local officials and family members have described Pretti as a dedicated healthcare worker and community member. He was an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, known for his compassion and commitment to patients and colleagues.

Pretti was also identified as a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry a firearm, and according to city officials, he had little if any serious criminal history beyond traffic violations.

His family said that he had participated in pro-justice protests and was deeply concerned about issues of fairness and federal enforcement in the community.

What Happened on the Morning of the Shooting

According to statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the fatal encounter took place around 9:05 a.m. when Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation. DHS claimed an individual approached agents with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, resisted efforts to disarm him, and that officers fired in self-defense.

However, visual evidence circulating online and widely shared by bystanders tells a different story. Videos show Pretti holding a cellphone, not a weapon, before an agent appears to pepper-spray him and tackle him to the ground, after which shots were fired.

This stark contrast between official accounts and recorded footage has deepened mistrust among locals and raised questions about how such operations are conducted and justified.

Local Leaders Demand Transparency

Minneapolis officials, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara, openly criticized the federal response and called for more transparency and collaboration. They have said that local law enforcement received very limited information from federal authorities and that federal agents have not fully shared details about what precipitated the shooting.

Governor Tim Walz declared the incident “sickening” and said that Minnesota state investigators must have access to the scene and evidence. He has been one of the most vocal critics of the federal enforcement operation sweeping across the state.

City leaders also requested support from the Minnesota National Guard to help with local public safety staffing as tensions and protests grew in the wake of the shooting.

Protests and Public Reaction

The shooting sparked hundreds of protesters gathering in cold weather to express grief and anger. Videos from the scene show large crowds confronting law enforcement, with clashes and chants demanding justice and accountability.

This public outcry echoes the protests that followed Pretti’s January 7 predecessor shooting of Renee Good — a protest that drew thousands into Minneapolis streets and captured national attention.

Political leaders are divided in their reaction. Some local officials call for federal agents to leave Minnesota entirely, while others argue that the reality of federal threats justifies decisive law enforcement action.

Political Fallout and National Debate

The incident has also escalated tensions in Washington. Senate Democrats announced plans to block a major government funding bill if it includes billions for the Department of Homeland Security without accountability measures for immigration enforcement agents.

Republican figures have defended the agents’ actions, emphasizing the dangers law enforcement officers face and arguing that federal operations target violent criminals. They disagree with local officials’ criticisms, highlighting a stark divide in interpretation of the events and appropriate policy responses.

Broader Context: Federal Operations in Minneapolis

These shootings occur amid what many describe as an unprecedented immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota under the current federal administration. Thousands of federal agents, including ICE, Border Patrol, and other agencies, have been deployed to Minneapolis and surrounding areas to carry out detention and removal actions.

Critics say these operations have often lacked coordination with local authorities and have used aggressive tactics that undermine community trust. Supporters argue they are necessary to address crime and enforce immigration laws.

What’s Next? Investigations and Accountability

Federal agencies say they will continue investigations into the shooting, and local officials have insisted on independent state review. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) obtained a signed warrant to investigate the shooting scene but faced resistance from federal agents—a dispute that highlights ongoing friction between jurisdictions.

As more details emerge, the city and state will press for transparency in a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny and widespread debate about the use of force, federal power, and the role of immigration enforcement in American communities.