A U.S. citizen killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday has been identified as Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive care nurse at the local Veterans Affairs hospital.
His family described him as “a kindhearted soul who wanted to make a difference in this world.”
Pretti’s death comes less than three weeks after another Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good, also 37, in her car, sparking renewed protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
ICE is a federal agency under the US Department of Homeland Security, responsible for enforcing immigration laws, preventing terrorism, and combating cross-border crime
In a statement, Pretti’s parents said: “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”
They added that their son cared deeply for his patients, family, and friends.
He recalled their conversations about mountain biking between patient rounds, writing on Bluesky: “Will never happen now.”
Pretti graduated from high school in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 2006 before attending nursing school and joining the VA.
Disputed Accounts of the Shooting
Federal officials quickly claimed Pretti intended to harm agents during a scuffle on an icy roadway. But local officials and protesters disputed that narrative, pointing to video footage aired by U.S. media, though not independently verified.
Pretti’s parents said their son stepped in front of a federal agent who had shoved a woman protester moments before he was shot.
They denounced what they called “sickening lies” from the Trump administration, insisting that the gun found on Pretti—licensed and legally carried—was not in his hand at the time.
“Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs,” the family said. “He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed.”
The family urged the public to “get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”
“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” they added.
The killing has intensified scrutiny of ICE’s tactics and causing many to question federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
