Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse from Minneapolis, was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a protest on Saturday, sparking national outrage and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics. The incident occurred less than a mile from a separate fatal shooting earlier this month involving another Minnesota resident, intensifying public concern.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed that agents fired in self-defense, alleging Pretti approached officers with weapons and resisted attempts to disarm him. However, video footage released afterward appears to show Pretti holding a phone rather than a firearm. Two eyewitnesses also stated they did not see him threaten or attack federal agents.
First Lady Melania Trump addressed the incident in an interview, calling for unity and peaceful protest while condemning violence. She emphasized coordination between federal, state, and local leaders to prevent further unrest.
President Donald Trump has maintained that Pretti was armed, despite conflicting evidence, and said his administration is reviewing the case. Minnesota officials confirmed discussions with the White House regarding reducing the federal presence and improving coordination.
The shooting remains under investigation as public debate continues over accountability, protest policing, and immigration enforcement practices.
