Second Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Sparks Protests and Political Clash

Minneapolis, Minn. — Jan. 25, 2026

Federal immigration agents shot and killed a U.S. citizen during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis over the weekend, setting off large protests, sharp criticism from state and local leaders, and a growing dispute between Minnesota officials and the Trump administration.

The man who was killed, Alex Pretti, 37, was a U.S. citizen and an intensive care nurse. Federal authorities said the shooting occurred Saturday after agents encountered resistance during an immigration operation. The death marks the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month.

Federal Account vs. Video Evidence

The Department of Homeland Security said a Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly approached agents with a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him. Officials described the incident as a violent confrontation that left agents fearing for their safety.

However, video footage captured by bystanders and reviewed by multiple news organizations tells a more complicated story.

The videos show Pretti holding what appears to be a cellphone (BBC) as he records agents pushing protesters to the ground. At one point, Pretti steps between agents and other demonstrators before being pepper-sprayed. Several agents then force him to the pavement as voices can be heard shouting about the presence of a gun.

Footage appears to show an agent removing a firearm from Pretti during the struggle. Moments later, another agent fires multiple shots into Pretti’s back as he is pinned on the ground. Additional shots are heard seconds later.

Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene

Who Alex Pretti Was

Pretti worked as an ICU nurse and had no known criminal history beyond minor traffic violations, according to local police. Officials said he was a lawful gun owner.

Friends and colleagues described him as calm, professional, and committed to helping others. His death has intensified public anger already building over federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.

Protests and Civil Unrest

The shooting drew hundreds of protesters to the neighborhood where it occurred. Demonstrators confronted heavily armed federal agents, who deployed tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd.

Protests later spread to New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and other major cities, adding to growing national opposition to federal immigration crackdowns.

Local police and state troopers were brought in to manage the demonstrations after federal agents withdrew from the area. While tensions eased later Saturday, protesters remained in the streets for hours.

Several public venues closed as a precaution, and an NBA game involving the Minnesota Timberwolves was postponed.

State and Federal Officials at Odds

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz sharply criticized the federal response and said the state would take control of the investigation.

“I’ve seen the video from multiple angles, and it’s deeply disturbing,” Walz said, adding that federal agencies could not be trusted to investigate themselves.

The head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said federal agents initially blocked state investigators from accessing the scene.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for an immediate end to the federal immigration operation, asking how many more people would be hurt before it was halted.

President Donald Trump, however, accused state and city leaders of encouraging unrest, saying their rhetoric was fueling disorder. Vice President JD Vance also criticized local officials, claiming they failed to support federal agents — a charge Walz strongly denied.

A City Under Strain

The shooting follows the January 7 killing of another U.S. citizen, Renée Good, during a separate immigration enforcement action, further heightening tensions in Minneapolis.

Residents have also voiced anger over other recent incidents, including the detention of U.S. citizens and schoolchildren during federal operations.

The head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said federal agents initially blocked state investigators from accessing the scene.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for an immediate end to the federal immigration operation, asking how many more people would be hurt before it was halted.