The family of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti — an intensive care unit nurse and U.S. citizen — has spoken out following his fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 24, 2026. Pretti’s death has ignited national outrage, raising intense debate about law enforcement conduct, transparency, and accountability.

According to multiple confirmed reports, Pretti was shot and killed by agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection during Operation Metro Surge, a large federal immigration enforcement initiative deployed in the Twin Cities. Video footage circulated online appears to show Pretti holding only a phone and at times attempting to help a woman who had been pushed to the ground prior to the shooting — contradicting initial government accounts that he posed a threat with a weapon.

Pretti’s family has publicly described him as a kindhearted nurse who cared deeply for others and insisted he never intended harm. They’ve sharply criticized official narratives and called for the truth to come out about what happened, emphasizing that he was legally licensed to carry a firearm but was not brandishing it in the moments leading up to the shooting.

The incident has sparked widespread public protest and debate over federal law enforcement’s use of force, especially in the context of immigration operations. Demonstrations in Minneapolis and beyond have drawn attention to the broader effects of heavy federal enforcement — including fears within immigrant and local communities and calls for greater transparency and justice.

Meanwhile, the two federal agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, and both state and federal investigations are underway. Family members and legal representatives are demanding answers, including full access to evidence and accountability measures.

This tragic event — coming amid intense national conversations about immigration policy and law enforcement conduct — has become a flashpoint, sparking calls for systemic reform while communities mourn a life lost far from the bedside of a hospital but still in service to others. 🕯️🔍⚖️