- Federal officials maintained that the individual posed a threat during the encounter
- Further clips showed several agents forcing Pretti to the ground
- The shooting followed days of mounting public anger over aggressive immigration actions
U.S. immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis descended into chaos on Saturday after federal agents shot and killed a U.S. citizen, triggering widespread protests and sharp condemnation from state and city authorities.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Department of Homeland Security claimed the shooting occurred during an immigration raid, insisting a Border Patrol agent acted in self-defence after the man allegedly confronted officers and resisted disarmament.
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However, multiple videos from the scene, reviewed and verified by international media, appeared to contradict that account. The footage showed the victim, identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, holding what looked like a mobile phone while filming agents as they confronted protesters.
Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was seen stepping in as officers pushed demonstrators to the ground, raising his arm defensively before being pepper-sprayed.
Further clips showed several agents forcing Pretti to the ground and restraining him as voices in the background shouted warnings about a gun. Moments later, an officer fired several shots into Pretti’s back while he was pinned down, with additional gunfire following shortly after. Agents later attempted first aid as bystanders were held back.
The killing sparked immediate outrage, drawing hundreds of protesters to the neighbourhood. Demonstrations later spread to cities including New York, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Federal agents deployed tear gas and flashbangs as tensions escalated.
The incident has intensified an already strained relationship between Minnesota authorities and the Trump administration, coming just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, was killed during a similar operation earlier this month. State officials accused federal agencies of blocking local investigators from accessing the scene.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the footage as disturbing and announced that the state would take over the investigation, citing a lack of trust in federal oversight. The head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that his team was initially prevented from launching an inquiry.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara disclosed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with no criminal history beyond minor traffic offences, urging calm as protests continued late into the night.
The unrest disrupted city life, forcing the Minneapolis Institute of Art to shut its doors and prompting the NBA to postpone a Minnesota Timberwolves game. Local leaders appealed for restraint as crowds lingered even after federal agents withdrew from the area.
Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey jointly called for an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement operations in the city, questioning how many more lives would be lost before changes are made.
President Donald Trump, however, pushed back, accusing local officials of inflaming tensions, while Vice President JD Vance criticised state leaders for allegedly withholding police support from federal agents.
The shooting followed days of mounting public anger over aggressive immigration actions, including the detention of U.S. citizens and school children, and comes amid mass protests against the administration’s immigration crackdown.
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