United States.– Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was identified as the man shot and killed by federal agents this Saturday during a protest against immigration raids in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident occurred amid a growing wave of demonstrations against the immigration policies of President Donald Trump’s government.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Pretti was a white man, a resident of the south side of the city, with no serious criminal record and a history limited to minor infractions, such as parking tickets. Authorities confirmed that he legally owned weapons and had the corresponding permits.
Official records indicate that Pretti studied at the University of Minnesota and obtained a license to practice as a nurse in 2021, valid until March of this year. Subsequently, his family confirmed that he worked as an intensive care nurse in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Born in Illinois, Pretti was described by his family as a lover of nature and outdoor activities. He frequently shared excursions with his dog Joule, a Catahoula Leopard breed, who recently passed away. He also actively participated in protests following the death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman shot dead in early January by an agent of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota.
“He cared deeply about people and was very outraged by what was happening in Minneapolis and across the United States with ICE,” expressed his father, Michael Pretti. “He felt that protesting was a way to express his concern for others.” His parents, residents of Wisconsin, recounted that days before they had asked him to be careful when participating in the demonstrations.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that Pretti was shot in the context of federal immigration raids. For its part, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assured that the deceased was carrying a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol and two additional magazines, and released an image of the weapon. President Trump supported this version through his Truth Social network, where he called Pretti a “gunman”.
However, contradictory versions have emerged. A video circulated on social media and verified by The New York Times shows that Pretti was holding a cell phone, not a weapon, when confronted by the officers. The images show how the officers use pepper spray, subdue him on the ground, and, after a struggle, shoot him. An analysis by the media outlet indicates that at least ten shots were heard within a five-second period.
The Border Patrol commander, Gregory Bovino, indicated that the agent who fired the fatal shot has eight years of service and “extensive training,” and assured that the incident is under investigation. According to his account, the agents were trying to detain a person wanted for immigration control when an armed man approached them and the confrontation occurred.
The death of Pretti sparked new clashes between protesters and law enforcement, intensifying the tension in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blamed the federal government for the escalation of violence. “How many more residents, how many more Americans have to die or be seriously injured for this operation to end?” he questioned.
Protests against the federal immigration offensive continue in Minnesota, as the national debate grows over the use of force by federal agents and the impact of immigration policies on American communities.
