Minneapolis Neighbor Describes Alex Pretti After Fatal ICE Shooting: “This Was Senseless”

On January 24, 2026, the city of Minneapolis was shaken by a fatal shooting that left a beloved community member dead at the hands of a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The victim, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in South Minneapolis. As details emerge about the circumstances surrounding the incident, community members, friends, and family of Pretti are speaking out, with one neighbor describing the shooting as “senseless” and calling for a thorough investigation into what led to the tragedy.

The Person Behind the Tragedy

Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was well-known for his dedication to his work, particularly in his role as a nurse at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Known for his compassionate care of patients and his active involvement in his local community, Pretti had built a reputation as someone who always put others first. Neighbors described him as a caring individual who went out of his way to help those in need, often volunteering for causes and spending time with people who were going through hard times.

Friends and family members are struggling to make sense of the events that led to his untimely death. In interviews with the press, they have expressed shock and disbelief, as the person they knew was nothing like the aggressive figure some media outlets have painted in their initial coverage of the incident.

The Fatal Shooting: What Happened?

The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of January 24, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were conducting a routine operation in Minneapolis. According to initial reports, Pretti was near the scene and became involved in a confrontation with the federal agents. Witnesses on the scene stated that Pretti was trying to help others who were in the area at the time of the incident.

Several eyewitnesses described the events differently than what was reported by law enforcement officials. According to witness statements, Pretti was holding his phone, filming the situation and attempting to help a woman being pushed by officers. These witnesses claim that Pretti did not pose a threat to the officers but was instead engaging in peaceful action.

The official police narrative stated that Pretti was approaching agents with a firearm, leading them to fear for their safety. However, many in the community dispute this account, noting that Pretti was unarmed and that the situation could have been handled differently. No firearms were found at the scene near Pretti’s body.

As the investigation continues, the truth remains unclear, and the contradictory accounts of what occurred have only deepened the grief and frustration among those close to Pretti.

The Immediate Aftermath

Following the shooting, Minneapolis residents were immediately thrown into shock and grief. Friends and neighbors gathered at memorial sites near the scene of the tragedy, lighting candles and leaving flowers in honor of Pretti’s memory. The local community has come together to hold vigils and public protests, demanding answers and calling for justice for Pretti, who was beloved by many in the area.

Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of remembrance and outrage from those who knew Pretti personally, with many expressing disbelief that such a tragic event could have occurred to someone who dedicated his life to caring for others. Supporters have raised questions about police accountability and the use of force in this situation.

A Community Divided: ICE and Local Sentiment

As Minneapolis continues to recover from the shock of this tragedy, local activists and leaders have increasingly called for a review of ICE practices and the need for more transparency and accountability in federal law enforcement operations. The tension surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. has already been a contentious issue, with some advocating for reform and others calling for more stringent border security.

This incident has ignited conversations about the role of federal agencies in local communities, with many arguing that there should be clearer boundaries between national security and local police powers. Some activists have taken to the streets, demanding justice for Pretti and a reevaluation of how immigration enforcement interacts with vulnerable communities in urban centers.

At the same time, those in support of ICE argue that the agency is simply doing its job under increasingly difficult circumstances. However, this sentiment has been overshadowed by the number of people coming forward to protest what they see as an unnecessary escalation of force in an already highly charged political climate.

The Growing Calls for Justice

As the community mourns, the call for investigation and accountability has only grown louder. Civil rights groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have called for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the death of Alex Pretti. Protesters have demanded that police body camera footage be released to provide more clarity on the events leading up to the shooting. Legal action may follow if further evidence suggests that Pretti’s death could have been avoided.

At the time of writing, official investigations are still ongoing, and the public continues to demand that those responsible for Pretti’s death be held accountable. The incident has placed a spotlight on the broader issue of immigration enforcement, police use of force, and human rights in the United States, and it is clear that the case will have wide-ranging implications for both the local community and national discourse.

Conclusion: A Life Cut Short

Alex Pretti’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of immigration enforcement and its potential consequences for those who are caught in the crossfire. His life, defined by a career in healthcare and a commitment to his community, was cut short by a series of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and unnecessary violence.

As investigations continue, one thing remains clear: this incident has deeply affected the community and will likely have lasting repercussions for law enforcement practices and public policy concerning immigration and policing in the United States. The calls for justice are only growing louder, and the truth behind Alex Pretti’s death must be uncovered to ensure that future tragedies like this can be prevented.