A tense immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis turned into a deadly and highly controversial incident on January 24, 2026, after federal agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse and U.S. citizen.
The shooting happened near the “Eat Street” area along Nicollet Avenue, a popular and busy stretch known for restaurants, shops, and foot traffic. Within hours, the incident sparked large protests, intense public anger, and clashes between demonstrators and federal officers, prompting Minnesota leaders to take emergency action.
This case has quickly become one of the most debated law-enforcement incidents in the state this year especially as it follows another fatal federal shooting in Minneapolis earlier this month.
What Happened in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026?
According to early accounts shared by officials and witnesses, the chaos began during a federal immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. The area soon filled with residents, protesters, and people trying to understand what was happening on the street.
At some point during the confrontation, Alex Jeffrey Pretti was shot and later confirmed dead.
However, the biggest issue now is that two very different narratives are emerging about what led to the deadly gunfire.
DHS Claims Pretti Approached Agents With a Handgun
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that Pretti came toward federal agents holding a 9mm handgun and “violently resisted” when agents attempted to disarm him.
Federal officials say agents fired their weapons in self-defense, claiming the situation escalated rapidly and left them with no other choice.
DHS also reportedly shared an image of a firearm that they say was recovered at the scene, reinforcing their claim that Pretti was armed during the incident.
Governor Tim Walz Rejects Federal Account, Calls It ‘Lies’
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, along with multiple witnesses, strongly disputed the DHS version of events.
Walz publicly criticized the federal explanation, calling it “lies” and “nonsense,” and demanded deeper accountability over what he described as a disturbing and unacceptable use of force.
This sharp pushback from Minnesota leadership has fueled an intense public debate especially as more videos started circulating online.
Video Footage Raises New Questions About the Shooting
Bystander videos shared online appear to show a chaotic scene in which federal agents tackled Pretti to the ground.
Some witnesses claim Pretti stepped in after seeing a woman allegedly pushed down or pepper-sprayed by officers. According to these accounts, Pretti may have tried to help her moments before he was restrained.
While DHS has claimed Pretti was armed, viral footage does not clearly show him brandishing a weapon, and this has become a major point of controversy for protesters and state officials demanding transparency.
At this stage, the incident remains under intense scrutiny, with many calling for an independent investigation, full release of bodycam footage (if available), and confirmation of what exactly occurred before shots were fired.
Who Was Alex Jeffrey Pretti?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti has been described by family members as a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply about people and community safety.
He worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, a role that often involves handling life-and-death situations and caring for veterans and critically ill patients.
His background has drawn major attention because he was:
- A U.S. citizen
- Reportedly a lawful gun owner
- Said to have a permit to carry
- Described as someone who attended protests against recent ICE activity
His death has sparked emotional reactions not only from protesters, but also from healthcare workers and residents who viewed him as someone who dedicated his life to saving others.
Civil Unrest Explodes: Protesters Chant ‘ICE Out Now’
After news of the shooting spread, crowds gathered in the area and tensions escalated.
Protesters reportedly:
- Built makeshift barricades
- Chanted “ICE out now”
- Confronted federal officers demanding answers
Federal agents responded using crowd-control tactics including:
- Tear gas
- Flash bangs
- Batons
The scene quickly turned into a dangerous standoff, with smoke filling parts of the area and emergency sirens echoing through nearby streets.
DHS Alleges Officer Was Seriously Injured During Clash
DHS officials also made a shocking claim during the unrest: that a protester bit off an officer’s finger during the confrontation.
If confirmed, it would represent a severe escalation in street-level violence and adds another layer to the already explosive situation in Minneapolis.
At the same time, protest groups argue the heavy federal response made the situation worse, claiming residents were met with aggressive tactics instead of calm de-escalation.
Minnesota National Guard Activated After Minneapolis Chaos
With the city facing rapidly growing unrest, Governor Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard.
The purpose, state officials said, was to help local police:
- Secure the area around the protests
- Protect nearby infrastructure
- Assist in controlling crowds near a federal building
The Guard’s involvement highlights how quickly the incident moved beyond a local protest into a statewide emergency response situation.
Major Events Canceled: Timberwolves Game and Winter Carnival Affected
The violence and uncertainty triggered immediate disruptions across Minnesota.
Several major events were postponed or canceled due to safety concerns, including:
- A Minnesota Timberwolves game
- The Saint Paul Winter Carnival parade
For many residents, these cancellations were proof that the city was no longer dealing with a single tragic incident but a situation threatening wider public order.
Minnesota Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Scene Control
In a dramatic legal step, Minnesota authorities reportedly filed a lawsuit and asked for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Trump administration.
State officials allege federal agents:
- Tampered with the crime scene
- Blocked state investigators
- Prevented a full inspection of the area immediately after the shooting
This legal battle could become one of the biggest federal-versus-state showdowns in recent years, especially as it involves law enforcement operations, jurisdiction disputes, and the handling of a fatal shooting scene.
Political Firestorm: Leaders Trade Blame Over Minneapolis Shooting
The shooting has created a strong political split nationally.
- Democratic Leaders Condemn the Shooting
Several Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries and Ilhan Omar, condemned the incident. Some described it as “organized brutality”, demanding accountability and questioning the direction of federal enforcement operations.
- Trump and Defense Officials Defend Agents
On the other side, President Donald Trump defended federal agents and criticized local leadership. Trump accused Minnesota officials of encouraging unrest and even described the conflict as an “insurrection” driven by political leadership.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also defended the agents, reinforcing the administration’s support for aggressive enforcement operations.
This divide has pushed the story beyond Minneapolis turning it into a national flashpoint over law enforcement tactics, immigration enforcement, and protest response.
DHS Funding Fight Could Trigger Partial Government Shutdown
The controversy is now spilling into Congress.
Congressional Democrats have reportedly threatened to block DHS funding in upcoming appropriations bills unless major restrictions are placed on immigration enforcement operations like the one linked to Pretti’s death.
If the standoff escalates and no compromise is reached, it could lead to a partial U.S. government shutdown, adding financial and political pressure to an already unstable moment.
Second Federal Shooting in Minneapolis in Less Than a Month
This shooting has gained even more attention because it is reportedly the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in less than a month.
Earlier, Renee Nicole Good was killed on January 7, 2026, also during a federal enforcement-related incident.
The back-to-back fatalities have left many residents asking difficult questions, including:
- Why are federal operations escalating so quickly?
- Are accountability systems strong enough?
- What rules of engagement are being used on crowded city streets?
What Happens Next?
As investigations and legal actions unfold, several key developments could shape what comes next:
- Possible release of more video evidence and official reports
- Court proceedings regarding the temporary restraining order request
- Federal and state negotiations over law enforcement jurisdiction
- National political debates over DHS and immigration enforcement funding
- Continued protests and community organizing in Minneapolis
For now, Minneapolis remains on edge, with many residents mourning the death of a healthcare worker while demanding a full explanation of what happened.
Final Words
The death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti has become more than one tragic shooting it has become a major test of trust between the public and federal agencies, between state and national leadership, and between law enforcement and communities already feeling overwhelmed.
As Minnesota and the nation await more verified facts, one thing is clear: the story unfolding in south Minneapolis will shape the national conversation for weeks possibly months to come.
