Second US Citizen Killed in Minneapolis ICE Confrontation
A second United States citizen has been fatally shot during a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident occurred on Saturday, resulting in the death of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, whose final moments were captured in disturbing video footage that has since circulated widely.
Chaotic Footage Reveals Violent Struggle
Multiple videos from the scene show a chaotic and violent encounter between Pretti and federal agents. The footage begins with Pretti holding a mobile phone as officers move toward him, followed by a rapid escalation that ends with multiple gunshots fired at close range.
According to analyses of the video evidence, Pretti appears to be directing traffic and filming as protesters interact with officers before the confrontation escalates. An agent is clearly seen pushing people into the street and spraying Pretti with pepper spray when he steps forward. Several agents then seize him and force him to the ground in what becomes a violent struggle.
Multiple Shots Fired in Rapid Succession
As Pretti is restrained on his knees, one agent appears to pull a handgun from near Pretti's hip while another draws his own weapon. Almost immediately, shots ring out at close range. Even after Pretti collapses to the ground, two agents continue firing their weapons.
The videos indicate at least ten shots were fired within approximately five seconds, creating a rapid succession of gunfire that shocked bystanders. One voice from the crowd captures the moment's horror, shouting "What did you just do?" as the shooting unfolds.
Official Response and Family Reaction
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement claiming "The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted...Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots."
However, officials have not confirmed whether Pretti, who police believe was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, ever brandished his weapon during the encounter. In all available video footage reviewed, Pretti is not seen visibly holding a firearm before being tackled by agents.
Pretti's family has described him as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital who cared deeply about people and environmental issues. His father, Michael Pretti, stated "He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset."
His mother, Susan Pretti, added "He was an outdoorsman... He loved this country, but he hated what people were doing to it."
Second Fatal Incident in Weeks
This tragic event marks the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis within weeks. On January 7, Minnesota resident Renée Good was shot dead by a federal immigration agent, an earlier killing that sparked daily protests throughout the city.
The latest incident has raised serious questions about use of force protocols and accountability within federal immigration enforcement agencies. Community activists and civil rights organizations have called for thorough investigations into both shootings, demanding transparency about the circumstances that led to these fatal encounters.
As Minneapolis grapples with another controversial law enforcement shooting, the footage continues to circulate online, prompting nationwide discussions about immigration enforcement practices, police accountability, and the appropriate use of lethal force in civilian encounters.
