Elected officials weigh in after ICU nurse Alex Pretti is shot and killed by federal immigration agents during an enforcement action in Minneapolis.

Political figures and community voices from across Minnesota and outside the state are speaking out following the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37 year old intensive care nurse who was killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis in late January 2026. The death has renewed intense debate around federal enforcement methods, the use of force in public settings, and how transparently deadly incidents involving authorities are investigated afterward.

Federal officials stated that the shooting took place during a targeted immigration enforcement effort on a snow covered residential street in Minneapolis. Agents from federal immigration agencies were attempting to detain individuals when an altercation unfolded that involved Pretti. Numerous bystanders recorded the incident, and those videos have since spread widely across social media platforms and news outlets. The footage captures a disorderly scene with raised voices, whistles from people in the crowd, and officers physically pushing onlookers back as they tried to control the area.

In the videos, Pretti appears standing close to the agents while holding what looks like a cellphone. He is encircled by officers, and while the situation seems tense, it does not appear resolved. Seconds later, a single gunshot can be heard. The recordings do not clearly show who fired the weapon or what immediately led up to the shot. The video concludes with Pretti lying still on the ground as officers back away and bystanders react with visible shock and distress. Emergency responders later transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Federal authorities have confirmed that the shooting is under active investigation and that investigators are examining several forms of evidence, including body camera footage, videos recorded by witnesses, and forensic data. Officials have said the encounter escalated quickly and that force was used in response to what they described as a perceived threat. They have urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions until the investigative process is finished.

Pretti was formally identified by his family the following day. He was a United States citizen and worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Coworkers described him as exceptionally competent, compassionate, and deeply devoted to his patients. Physicians and nurses who worked alongside him said he was known for remaining calm under pressure and for treating patients, many of whom were military veterans, with patience and respect.

Hospital colleagues shared that Pretti frequently volunteered for challenging shifts and stepped in readily when staffing levels were low. Several described him as the type of nurse who stayed beyond his scheduled hours to ensure patients were comfortable and that families fully understood medical updates. State licensing records confirmed his nursing credentials were current and in good standing, and public court documents showed no criminal record beyond minor traffic infractions.

Family members described Pretti as someone who was deeply engaged with social and civic issues. They said he cared strongly about environmental causes, human rights, and social justice, and believed participating in civic life was a responsibility rather than a pastime. Outside of work, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, hiking and biking with his dog, and using nature as a way to decompress after demanding hospital shifts. In recent years, relatives said he became increasingly outspoken about concerns related to federal immigration enforcement and broader policy issues, which led him to attend peaceful protests and community events.

His family emphasized that Pretti was firmly committed to nonviolence. While acknowledging that he legally owned a firearm, they stated they had never known him to bring it to protests or public gatherings. They dispute federal assertions that he was armed during the encounter, pointing out that none of the publicly released videos show a weapon in his possession. This disagreement has emerged as a central source of conflict between authorities and the family as the investigation continues.

The shooting prompted immediate responses from elected officials at the city, state, and national levels. Leaders in Minneapolis issued statements offering condolences to Pretti’s family and calling for a comprehensive and independent investigation. Several Minnesota lawmakers echoed those calls, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability whenever a civilian is killed during a law enforcement operation. Some legislators have renewed demands for clearer rules governing federal enforcement actions carried out in residential neighborhoods.

On a national level, critics of current immigration enforcement strategies have pointed to the incident as an example of the dangers associated with heavily armed operations conducted in public spaces. Advocacy organizations have organized vigils and demonstrations in Pretti’s honor, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his death highlight broader systemic concerns. Supporters of federal enforcement agencies have urged restraint and patience, noting that officers often must make rapid decisions in unpredictable and high pressure situations.

The response within the Minneapolis community has been intense and deeply emotional. Makeshift memorials with candles, flowers, and handwritten messages have appeared near the location of the shooting and outside the VA hospital where Pretti worked. Coworkers have gathered informally to remember him, sharing stories that reflected his kindness and professionalism. For many residents, the incident has reopened lingering trauma from earlier fatal encounters involving federal authorities, reinforcing feelings of mistrust and unease.

Pretti’s death also comes shortly after another fatal incident linked to a federal operation in Minneapolis earlier this year, increasing public concern that these events may reflect a pattern rather than isolated cases. Local leaders have acknowledged that the close timing has heightened anxiety within the community and have called on federal agencies to communicate more directly with residents as investigations move forward.

Federal officials have said that once the review of evidence is complete, their conclusions will be released publicly. They have not offered a specific timeline, citing the complexity of the case and the need to ensure accuracy. In the meantime, the officer involved has reportedly been placed on administrative leave, which officials described as standard procedure during investigations of officer involved shootings.

As the city awaits answers, Pretti’s family has asked that he be remembered for his life rather than the circumstances of his death. They describe a man who devoted his career to caring for others, who valued fairness and compassion, and who sought to improve his community through both his work and his civic involvement. For colleagues, friends, and patients, his absence has created a loss that cannot be measured by statistics or official statements.

The investigation remains ongoing, alongside a wider national discussion about law enforcement practices, immigration policy, and how to balance public safety with civil rights. Until definitive findings are released, Minneapolis remains in a state of grief and uncertainty, confronting questions that reach far beyond a single tragic night.