Officials from President Donald Trump’s administration supported the actions of federal immigration agents following the shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, despite video footage appearing to contradict their claims. The incident, which has stirred significant tension between local law enforcement and federal forces, occurred as community members gathered in freezing temperatures to commemorate Pretti with a memorial of flowers and candles.
Administration representatives argued that Pretti had assaulted their agents, prompting the necessity for self-defense. However, bystander videos portray a different narrative, depicting Pretti—who was 37 years old—holding a cellphone rather than a weapon as he attempted to assist fellow protesters during the altercation with the agents. The video further illustrates the chaotic scene as agents restrained Pretti, who had previously been reporting on the situation, before shooting him.
This shooting is the second of its kind involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis within the same month. Trump’s deployment of a substantial contingent of armed immigration agents in a controversial deportation effort has faced backlash from state leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has called for the withdrawal of these federal forces. State officials have sought legal recourse to challenge what they describe as unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration.
As outrage brewed among local political figures, residents took to the streets in protest, demanding the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from their cities. Demonstrators filled the streets, chanting slogans like “ICE OUT!” amidst ongoing concerns regarding the aggressive tactics used by federal agents.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence have intensified scrutiny of the federal agents’ handling of the situation. Darius Reeves, the former head of ICE’s field office in Baltimore, noted the concerning lack of communication among agents during the incident. Meanwhile, Minnesota authorities confirmed that Pretti possessed a valid state permit for carrying a concealed firearm, an acknowledgment of the constitutional rights upheld by the Supreme Court.
The community remains unsettled as investigations into the shooting continue and calls for accountability grow louder. The tragic event highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the potential consequences of aggressive federal interventions in local communities.