Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, during a federal enforcement operation in the Whittier neighborhood. The incident occurred at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue during a confrontation between federal officers and bystanders that quickly gained national attention.
The operation involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that works to enforce U.S. immigration laws and investigate crimes connected to immigration and border security. ICE agents often work with other federal agencies during enforcement actions in cities across the country.
Federal officials said agents were carrying out their operation when a crowd gathered and the situation became tense, which led officers to use deadly force. Authorities stated their actions were justified based on their assessment of what was happening at the time.
Videos recorded by bystanders show agents using pepper spray and restraining Pretti on the ground before shots were fired. Witnesses said the scene became confusing and escalated quickly. Alex Pretti’s neighbor says, “Everything they say about my neighbor is a lie.” As Investigations into the incident are ongoing, final conclusions have not yet been released.
Across Minnesota, some people say the shooting has made them more hesitant about going out in public or feeling completely safe in their communities. In cities like Minneapolis, people have talked about changing their routines, avoiding certain areas, and worrying more about everyday activities like walking down the street or running errands. Some students at Owatonna High School said the news has hit close to home. Senior Miles Grimmius says, “Witnessing events like this makes me realize that citizenship and legal status don’t offer as much protection as we believe. Even without being a threat, we are not immune to violence and irrational behavior. ” Senior Kayla Kelvie added, “I still go to school every day, but there’s definitely more worry than before about what could happen.”
Pretti worked as an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. After the shooting, protests took place in Minneapolis and across Minnesota, and state officials took legal steps to preserve evidence while multiple agencies continued reviewing the case. The shooting has led people across the nation to push for changes in federal enforcement.
