Minneapolis, January 25, 2026 – A 37-year-old intensive care nurse named Alex Pretti was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents on Saturday during an immigration enforcement operation, igniting widespread protests, condemnation from public figures, and demands for accountability.
According to witnesses and video footage circulating online, Pretti, a U.S. citizen who worked at a Veterans Affairs hospital, intervened to help a woman who had been shoved to the ground by federal agents. Reports indicate agents pepper-sprayed him, disarmed him of his legally carried concealed firearm, and then fatally shot him at close range. Witnesses have stated under oath that Pretti did not brandish or draw a weapon.
Pretti was remembered by colleagues, family, and friends as a dedicated, kind, and quiet professional—an outdoors enthusiast who loved mountain biking and was committed to caring for veterans. Nursing organizations, including the American Nurses Association and Oregon Nurses Association, have condemned the incident and expressed condolences.
The shooting has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama described it as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and a “wake-up call” that core American values are under assault. Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith accused authorities of a cover-up, while bipartisan Senate voices called for a full investigation. Prominent athletes, including NBA players Tyrese Haliburton and others, have publicly condemned the killing, with some labeling it a murder.
Protests erupted in Minneapolis and other cities, including Madison, where hundreds gathered to mourn Pretti and demand an end to aggressive ICE operations. Vigil attendees held signs and chanted against federal immigration enforcement.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement detailing the agents’ account or body camera footage. The incident remains under review, amid growing pressure for transparency and reform. Pretti’s death has fueled broader debates over immigration enforcement tactics and use of force by federal officers.