Minneapolis ICU Nurse Shot Dead by ICE Agents in Second Fatal Incident
The city of Minneapolis is grappling with profound unrest and grief following the fatal shooting of a local intensive care unit nurse by masked officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This marks the second deadly encounter involving ICE agents in the Minnesota city within a mere three-week period, igniting widespread protests and a fierce political confrontation over the circumstances of the killing.
Family's Anguish and Accusations of 'Sickening Lies'
The victim, identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, was described by his parents, Michael and Susan, as a "kindhearted soul" and an "outstanding" nurse who cared for American veterans at the Minneapolis VA hospital. In an emotional statement, the family expressed their heartbreak and fury, directly challenging the official narrative from former President Donald Trump's administration.
"We are heartbroken but also very angry," the statement read. "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man."
Contradictory Accounts of the Confrontation
According to federal authorities, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Pretti "approached US border patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun" and "reacted violently" during attempts to disarm him, prompting agents to fire "defensive shots." Donald Trump amplified this version on social media, sharing an image of a firearm he claimed was recovered.
However, this account is vehemently disputed by eyewitnesses, video evidence, and local officials. Footage from the scene appears to show Pretti holding a mobile phone, not a weapon, as he filmed the ICE agents. Witnesses attest that he was pepper-sprayed, wrestled to the ground, and shot after an agent removed a holstered handgun from his person. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz dismissed the federal narrative as "nonsense" and "lies," while the state has filed a lawsuit to preserve evidence related to the shooting.
Violent Protests and Political Fallout Erupt
The shooting triggered immediate and intense protests across Minneapolis. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, mace, and pepper balls against crowds chanting for ICE to leave. The violence resulted in a Homeland Security Investigations officer reportedly having a finger bitten off during the clashes.
The political rhetoric escalated rapidly. Trump accused Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of "inciting insurrection," while Vice-President JD Vance labelled the events "engineered chaos" unique to the city. In contrast, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy called for a full joint federal and state investigation, stating, "The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. We can trust the American people with the truth."
A Community in Mourning and Demand for Accountability
The death of Alex Pretti, coming so soon after the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good in a separate ICE-involved incident, has left Minneapolis reeling. The community's trauma is compounded by the starkly conflicting stories from federal authorities and those on the ground. As the family pleads for transparency and the nation watches, the incident underscores deep divisions over immigration enforcement, police accountability, and the veracity of official statements in a highly charged political climate. The call for an impartial investigation grows louder amidst the grief and anger.
