Federal Agents Fatally Shoot Armed ICU Nurse During Minneapolis Immigration Operation
Federal immigration authorities have confirmed that Border Patrol agents were attempting to detain an Ecuadorian national in Minneapolis when a confrontation led to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. The incident, which occurred near a popular doughnut shop on Saturday morning, has sparked significant public outcry and protests against immigration enforcement operations in the city.
Details of the Confrontation and Shooting
According to Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, agents were pursuing Jose Huerta-Chuma, described as an illegal immigrant with a criminal history including domestic assault and driving without a license. During the attempted arrest, another individual—later identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti—approached the scene armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun.
Commander Bovino stated at a press conference: "The agents attempted to disarm the individual, but he violently resisted. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, a Border Patrol agent fired defensive shots." Medics provided immediate aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene around 9am near Glam Doll Donuts at the corner of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue.
Contradictory Accounts and Video Evidence
The official narrative has been challenged by video footage circulating on social media. One clip shows Pretti confronting agents with his phone in hand, being backed toward the sidewalk. A second video, taken moments later, captures Pretti struggling with federal agents just before shots were fired.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asserted that Pretti had "brandished" a weapon before being shot. However, footage appears to show an officer removing a handgun from Pretti during the scuffle seconds before the shooting. The DHS later released a photograph of a recovered handgun and stated Pretti was carrying two magazines.
Background of the Deceased
Alex Pretti was a US citizen and Minnesota resident who worked as a registered nurse for the Veterans Health Administration at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Public records indicate he earned approximately $90,783 in 2023 and held a valid permit for lawful gun ownership. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti had no serious criminal history, with only minor parking violations on record.
Pretti attended the University of Minnesota and recently described himself as a "junior scientist" on LinkedIn. Colleagues and friends have expressed devastation at his death, describing him as politically engaged, well-informed, and dedicated to helping others.
Community Reaction and Protests
The shooting has prompted significant community response, with thousands gathering at the scene to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Protestors created a makeshift memorial for Pretti and displayed signs demanding ICE leave their city.
Ruth Anway, a nurse who worked with Pretti for approximately six years, told reporters: "He was an ICU nurse. He worked with veterans. He was a really good guy. He definitely did not deserve to get killed." Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, chief of the Infectious Diseases Section at the Minneapolis VA, paid tribute on social media, describing Pretti as "a good, kind person who lived to help."
The incident raises serious questions about the use of force during immigration enforcement operations and has intensified debates about federal agency presence in Minneapolis communities. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing as conflicting accounts continue to emerge from official statements and visual evidence.
