Minnesota man killed by federal agents during immigration operation

MINNEAPOLIS (Gray DC) - A 37-year-old Minneapolis resident was shot and killed by federal law enforcement Saturday morning as Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns sweep across Minnesota.

The Department of Homeland Security identified the man as Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and U.S. citizen. The agency said Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm handgun while they were conducting an operation.

DHS said Pretti resisted when officers attempted to disarm him, leading to an agent opening fire. Minneapolis police said Pretti was shot multiple times and was later pronounced dead.

The agency said Pretti had two magazines on him along with the gun, claiming it looks like he wanted to “massacre law enforcement.”

“This is only the latest attack on law enforcement,” said Gregory Bovino, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol chief in Minneapolis.

It’s unclear what other evidence supports that claim. Video online of the incident appears to show Pretti holding a cell phone to record officers.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said they believe Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the contradiction when asked about the incident on Saturday night.

“I don’t know of any peaceful protestor that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign,” Noem said.

The fatal shooting echoes what happened with Renee Good Jan. 7. An ICE agent shot and killed Good while she was behind the wheel of her car. Her death sparked widespread protests in Minnesota.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, questioned the ongoing operations.

“How many more residents? How many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?” Frey said.

Noem, Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) have asked Minnesotans to not meet violence with violence.

Walz said the state will handle the investigation.

“The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it. Period,” Walz said.

Both DHS and Walz said their respective investigations will continue.

Soon after the shooting, protestors quickly overwhelmed the area. The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves postponed their planned game in Minneapolis Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.