MINNEAPOLIS / WASHINGTON
Anger and grief are spreading across the United States after a fatal shooting of a nurse by federal agents, an incident that has sparked nationwide protests, sharp political condemnation, and renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration.
The shooting occurred this week in south Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement action. The victim, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who worked with veterans at a local VA hospital, was killed during a confrontation involving U.S. Border Patrol agents. Witnesses say Pretti was attempting to intervene during an encounter between agents and another individual when the situation escalated.
Federal authorities initially stated that the agent involved acted in self-defense, claiming Pretti posed a threat during the confrontation. However, that account has been heavily questioned after videos recorded by bystanders surfaced online. The footage appears to show Pretti holding a cellphone and raising one hand moments before he was restrained and shot. Those images have fueled public outrage and intensified calls for accountability.
Within hours of the shooting, hundreds of protesters gathered near the scene, lighting candles and chanting demands for justice. Demonstrations quickly spread beyond Minnesota, with rallies reported in New York, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston. Protesters accused federal authorities of excessive force and criticized the expanded role of immigration agents in local communities.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killing as “deeply disturbing” and called for an independent, state-led investigation, urging federal officials to cooperate fully. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed those concerns, saying the presence of heavily armed federal agents in residential neighborhoods has created fear and instability. City leaders have formally asked the federal government to halt immigration operations in Minneapolis while the investigation proceeds.
The victim’s family has strongly rejected claims that Pretti posed a threat. In emotional statements, relatives described him as compassionate, unarmed, and dedicated to helping others through his work as a nurse. They accused federal officials of spreading misleading information and demanded the immediate release of all body-camera footage and investigative records.
The incident has also drawn reaction from national political figures. Several Democratic leaders condemned the shooting and linked it to what they describe as an increasingly aggressive federal immigration strategy. Senate leaders signaled that funding for immigration enforcement agencies could face opposition unless stricter oversight measures are adopted. Some Republicans, meanwhile, defended the agents, emphasizing the dangers officers face during enforcement operations, while still supporting a full investigation.
Labor unions and healthcare organizations joined the outcry. Nursing associations and federal employee unions called the killing “unacceptable” and warned that frontline workers and civilians alike are being placed at risk. Advocacy groups argue the incident reflects a broader pattern of militarized enforcement that has escalated tensions in major cities.
The shooting comes amid widespread criticism of recent immigration policies, including expanded enforcement actions and increased deployment of federal agents in so-called sanctuary cities. Minneapolis has already seen multiple confrontations in recent months, making it a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration, public safety, and civil rights.
As investigations continue, federal officials say the agent involved has been placed on administrative duty. The Department of Justice has confirmed a review of the incident, though no timeline has been given for its completion.
For now, the death of a nurse who cared for others has become a powerful symbol for critics of current enforcement policies. With protests ongoing and political pressure mounting, the case is expected to remain at the center of a growing national conversation about accountability, transparency, and the limits of federal power in American cities.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected in the coming days.
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