Minneapolis, United States | January 25, 2026 — WorldMajorEvents
The fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by U.S. federal immigration officers in Minneapolis has become one of the most explosive and politically charged incidents of President Donald Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown, triggering nationwide outrage, protests, postponed sports events and a fierce debate over the use of lethal force by federal agents on American streets.
As new videos, official statements, eyewitness accounts and political reactions continue to emerge, the Minneapolis shooting is rapidly evolving into a defining moment for U.S. immigration enforcement, civil liberties and domestic security in 2026.
This is everything we know so far.
Who Was Alex Jeffrey Pretti?
Authorities have identified the victim as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 33-year-old ICU nurse who lived and worked in Minneapolis. Family members, colleagues and friends describe Pretti as a healthcare professional dedicated to caring for critically ill patients, with no known violent history.
According to relatives, Pretti was not a criminal suspect and was not actively wanted for any violent offense at the time of the encounter. His killing has intensified scrutiny over ICE and Border Patrol operations conducted far from the U.S. border, particularly in sanctuary-leaning cities like Minneapolis.
What Happened During the Minneapolis Shooting?
The shooting occurred during an ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operation in south Minneapolis as part of a broader immigration enforcement surge ordered by the Trump administration.
Federal officials say agents attempted to detain Pretti, claiming he resisted arrest and posed a threat. One officer discharged a firearm, fatally wounding him at close range.
However, multiple videos now circulating publicly—including body-camera footage, bystander recordings and security video—have complicated the official narrative.
Did Alex Pretti Have a Gun?
This question has become the central point of national controversy.
Federal authorities say a gun was later recovered at the scene. But videos reviewed by independent analysts and media outlets do not clearly show Pretti holding a weapon at the moment he was shot.
Several clips capture agents shouting commands, a physical struggle and then gunfire. In at least one video, voices can be heard reacting in shock immediately after the shooting, with one person saying, “That guy’s dead.”
Pretti’s family strongly disputes claims that he was armed, calling official statements “sickening lies” and demanding the immediate release of unedited footage.
A Second Federal Shooting in Minneapolis
The killing of Pretti is especially alarming because it is not an isolated incident.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that this is another fatal shooting involving federal officers in Minneapolis amid the immigration crackdown, raising urgent questions about training, rules of engagement and accountability.
Civil rights groups warn that Minneapolis is becoming a testing ground for aggressive federal enforcement tactics that blur the line between policing and militarisation.
Political Fallout: Trump, Walz, Democrats and Republicans Clash
The political response has been swift and deeply polarised.
Trump’s Reaction
President Donald Trump accused Minnesota Democrats of “inciting insurrection”, arguing that criticism of ICE has fueled hostility toward federal agents. He defended the operation as necessary for national security and law enforcement authority.
Republicans’ Response
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, claiming Pretti threatened federal officers. Conservative leaders have echoed calls for tougher enforcement and warned against “anti-ICE rhetoric.”
Democrats Push Back
Progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, drew a “line in the sand,” warning that unchecked federal force against civilians represents a grave threat to democracy.
Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded transparency, independent investigations and a pause in aggressive federal operations within the city.
Protests, Strikes and Citywide Disruption
The shooting sparked immediate protests across Minneapolis, with thousands gathering near the site of the killing and outside federal buildings.
Demonstrators accuse ICE of operating with impunity and targeting communities without accountability. Labor unions, healthcare workers and immigration activists have staged walkouts and strikes in solidarity with Pretti’s family.
The unrest forced major disruptions:
- The NBA matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors was postponed.
- Large sections of downtown Minneapolis were placed under heightened security
- Federal buildings were temporarily closed
Why This Case Matters Nationally
This incident arrives at a time when Trump’s immigration push is intensifying, with ICE and CBP conducting expanded interior enforcement operations across multiple states.
According to policy analysts, the Minneapolis shooting could:
- Set legal precedents on federal use of force
- Influence upcoming court challenges against ICE operations
- Shape the 2026 midterm political narrative
- Escalate tensions between federal agencies and state governments
Even international observers are closely watching the case as a test of American civil rights standards.
What Happens Next?
Several investigations are now underway:
- Department of Justice review
- Independent state-level investigation
- Congressional inquiries
- Potential civil lawsuits by Pretti’s family
Federal officials have promised more footage releases, but critics argue transparency is still inadequate.
A Defining Moment for 2026
The killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti has become far more than a local tragedy. It sits at the intersection of immigration policy, police power, political polarisation and public trust in government institutions.
As videos continue to emerge and protests spread, the Minneapolis ICE shooting is shaping up to be one of the most consequential and closely watched events of 2026.
WorldMajorEvents will continue to follow every development.
