The US in Brief: Agents Who Shot Alex Pretti on Leave

On January 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis were placed on administrative leave, standard practice following a deadly law enforcement encounter. The move comes amid intensifying national debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics, public safety, and accountability after two recent fatal shootings of civilians by immigration officers in Minnesota.

What Happened in Minneapolis

On January 24, 2026, 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a registered intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents during an immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The incident occurred in Minneapolis amid heightened tensions over federal immigration crackdowns that have drawn protests across the city.

Video footage from bystanders shows Pretti standing near a street where agents were operating shortly before the confrontation. According to preliminary DHS and CBP reports, agents attempted to take Pretti into custody, and an altercation ensued. In the chaotic moments that followed, two agents discharged their weapons; Pretti was struck and later pronounced dead at a local medical center.

While DHS initially claimed Pretti posed a deadly threat, subsequent video review and eyewitness accounts suggest Pretti was filming the agents with his phone and may have been assisting a woman who had been pushed to the ground by officers when the situation escalated. Independent footage appears to show that Pretti never brandished or fired a weapon, contrary to early official statements.

Administrative Leave: Standard but Symbolic

DHS spokespersons confirmed that the two agents who fired their weapons during the encounter have since been placed on administrative leave, a customary step for officers involved in shootings. During this period, the agents are relieved of regular duties as federal investigators continue to review the facts and oversee evidence.

Officials noted that placing officers on leave does not imply guilt or wrongdoing but serves to ensure an “unbiased and thorough investigation” into the shooting. The agents may later return to alternative assignments or modified duties depending on the outcome of internal reviews and possible external oversight.

This administrative leave has significant symbolic weight, given the public outrage and scrutiny surrounding the incident. Many civil rights advocates, lawmakers, and activists view it as a necessary step toward accountability, while supporters of tougher immigration enforcement emphasize procedural norms and the dangers federal officers can face in volatile situations.

National Backlash and Political Fallout

The killing of Pretti has sparked widespread controversy and protest nationwide, fed by conflicting narratives about what occurred. Critics argue that Pretti, who was legally permitted to carry a firearm, was wrongly portrayed by officials and unjustly shot even after being disarmed and restrained — claims supported by video evidence circulating online.

The incident follows just weeks after another fatal shooting involving ICE agents in the same city, deepening concern over federal operations in civilian neighborhoods and the methods used by immigration authorities. Some political leaders have called for independent investigations, policy reviews, and changes to protocols that govern the use of lethal force by federal agencies. Others have defended federal officers’ actions as part of broader law enforcement responsibilities amid rising tensions over immigration.

President Donald Trump has been drawn into the debate, facing pressure to respond to civil liberties concerns while maintaining his administration’s tough stance on immigration enforcement. As political figures weigh in, the story has become a flashpoint in broader national discussions about civil rights, public safety, and the balance between enforcement and community trust.

Conflicting Accounts and Video Evidence

One of the most contentious aspects of the Pretti case involves conflicting accounts of the encounter. Official DHS briefings initially asserted that Pretti brandished a firearm and posed an imminent threat. However, multiple video analyses and witness testimonies contest that version, showing Pretti holding only a cell phone at critical moments before federal agents tackled him.

The footage shows that an agent appears to remove Pretti’s handgun shortly before shots were fired. For critics, this detail raises urgent questions about command decisions, situational awareness, and the justification for lethal force. Moreover, the apparent absence of clear evidence that Pretti fired his weapon has intensified public scrutiny and calls for transparency from federal authorities.

Investigations Underway

Federal investigations involve multiple agencies. The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and DHS review units are examining body camera footage, agent testimonies, and other evidence. These inquiries aim to determine whether the use of force complied with federal guidelines and what tactical decisions were made in the lead-up to the shooting.

At the same time, Minnesota state authorities, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), have sought involvement in evidence handling and scene reconstruction — an effort that has encountered procedural friction with federal agencies. Local prosecutors have stressed the importance of cooperative investigation frameworks to ensure accountability and rebuild community trust.

Broader Impacts and Community Response

Public reaction to the shooting and the administrative leave has been deeply emotional. Supporters of Pretti, including nurses, veterans’ groups, and civil liberties organizations, have held vigils and rallies, emphasizing his service to veterans and his commitment to helping others. Many call for rigorous independent scrutiny and systemic reforms to federal enforcement tactics.

Conversely, some law enforcement advocates argue that federal officers operate under high-stress conditions and that administrative leave is a necessary procedural step that respects due process while investigations are ongoing.

Conclusion

The placement of the border agents who shot Alex Pretti on administrative leave underscores the complex legal, political, and ethical challenges surrounding the case. As investigations proceed and more evidence is reviewed, officials and the public alike are seeking clearer answers about how the fatal encounter unfolded and what measures might prevent similar tragedies in the future.

With national attention focused on Minneapolis, the Pretti case continues to fuel intense debate over federal enforcement practices, accountability standards, and the delicate balance between public safety and civil liberties.