ICE-Linked Shooting of Minneapolis Nurse Fuels Protests and Political Backlash

Minneapolis, MN (BuzzReport)- A federal immigration officer fatally shot a man during an immigration operation in Minneapolis on Saturday, sparking widespread protests in a city already reeling from another fatal shooting involving federal officers earlier this month.

Hundreds of demonstrators poured into the streets despite frigid temperatures, prompting Gov. Tim Walz to activate the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement. Guard troops were deployed to the site of the shooting and to a nearby federal building where protesters have gathered daily.

The man killed was identified by his parents as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, an intensive care unit nurse. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the death but said details surrounding the encounter remain limited. Federal officials said the officer involved is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran.

Pretti was killed just over a mile from the site where Renee Good, 37, was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fired into her vehicle. The two deaths have intensified public anger and fueled nearly continuous protests across the Twin Cities.

Family condemns shooting

In a statement released Saturday evening, Pretti’s family said they were “heartbroken but also very angry,” describing him as a kind and compassionate person who wanted to help others through his work as a nurse.

“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting,” the family said. “Alex was not holding a gun. He had his phone in his right hand, his left hand raised, trying to protect a woman who had just been pushed down by ICE officers while he was being pepper-sprayed.”

Gun rights group calls for investigation

The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was “deeply concerned” by the shooting and called for investigations by both state and federal authorities.

“Many critical facts remain unknown,” the group said, adding that no evidence has been presented showing Pretti intended to harm officers. The organization emphasized that lawfully armed individuals retain their rights while exercising First Amendment activities.

Political fallout and funding fight

The shooting has intensified tensions in Washington, where Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will not support a government spending package that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

“What is happening in Minnesota is appalling,” Schumer said, arguing the legislation does not sufficiently restrict ICE operations. His opposition raises the possibility of a partial government shutdown when funding expires Jan. 30.

State takes lead on investigation

Gov. Walz sharply criticized federal immigration enforcement, calling it “organized brutality.”

“The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement,” Walz said in a statement. “It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state, and today it claimed another life.”

Walz said the state of Minnesota will lead the investigation into Pretti’s death rather than relying solely on federal authorities.

The Department of Homeland Security said it is conducting its own investigation with assistance from the FBI. The Justice Department has not said whether it will open a civil rights inquiry. It declined to do so following the earlier shooting of Good, a decision that has fueled skepticism among many Minnesota residents.

Elected officials react

Sen. Amy Klobuchar condemned the shooting, accusing the Trump administration of escalating chaos through aggressive immigration enforcement.

“Watch the horrific video of the killing,” Klobuchar wrote on X. “The world is watching. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed. Kids hiding. Schools closed. Get ICE out of Minnesota.”