Federal Agents Shoot and Kill Man in Minneapolis Amid Immigration Crackdown
Published: January 24th, 2026 |
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: A 37-year-old Minneapolis man was shot and killed today, January 24, 2026, by a federal immigration agent during an enforcement operation in south Minneapolis, authorities confirmed. The fatal encounter took place near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue amid heightened tensions over a nationwide immigration crackdown.
The victim, identified by family members as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a registered ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, was fatally struck during the incident. Federal officials have characterized the shooting as a defensive action, while local authorities and bystander video reports have raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the confrontation.
In response to the shooting and the growing unrest, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard at the request of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the city of Minneapolis to assist local law enforcement. The Guard’s role is to support deputies and help ensure public safety and order amid ongoing protests and demonstrations.
The deployment follows days of protests in Minneapolis after previous federal agent-involved shootings earlier this month, which have drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and community groups. Governor Walz has condemned the use of force and called for a thorough state-led investigation, while city officials have urged calm as authorities work to secure the scene and manage large crowds.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, have been asked to lead the investigation into the shooting. DHS denied them access to the scene. In response, the MN BCA reportedly got a warrant to investigate the shooting following probable cause, and a judge approved it. Despite having a judge-signed warrant, federal agents once again denied access to the scene to MN BCA personnel.
This is a developing story.