Minneapolis ICE Shooting: Fatal Confrontation During Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement

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Incident Overview

On Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, a Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis. This incident marks the third shooting in three weeks since Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7, escalating tensions around federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.

The shooting occurred around 9 a.m. in the Whittier neighborhood near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed agents fired in self-defense during a Trump administration immigration enforcement operation after encountering an armed man. DHS stated the man was armed and "violently resisted" attempts by agents to disarm him.

However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed the deceased was a legal gun owner with a valid carry permit. Witness video captured the moment when gunfire erupted as multiple agents subdued the man on the ground.

Political Tensions Escalate

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the federal government at an afternoon press conference, stating they are "conducting a campaign of organized brutality against our residents, and today that campaign has claimed another life." Walz called on President Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents from Minnesota.

The governor spoke with the White House shortly after the incident, demanding that the state lead the investigation. He also placed the Minnesota National Guard on standby for activation. "Our state has had enough," Walz posted on social media.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) attempted to investigate the scene at the request of Minneapolis Police but was blocked from accessing the area by DHS agents.

Previous Incidents and Protests

This shooting is part of a series of confrontations in Minnesota following the death of Renee Nicole Good on January 7. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and copwatcher, was shot and killed by an ICE agent while inside her vehicle.

One week later, on January 14, a Venezuelan immigrant was shot in the leg by federal agents.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the scene immediately after the shooting, chanting "ICE, get out now." Federal agents used tear gas and flash-bang grenades for crowd control, with some agents seen taunting the crowd.

On Saturday, January 17, thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis and in front of the federal building despite freezing temperatures, demanding ICE withdrawal. Minneapolis police eventually issued a dispersal order but reported no arrests.

National Guard Mobilization

Governor Walz issued an alert order to the Minnesota National Guard following the first fatal shooting on January 7. This initial measure prepares troops for potential deployment if needed.

On Saturday, January 17, Walz officially placed the Minnesota National Guard on standby for activation. The Guard completed deployment preparations to support Minnesota State Police, though they were not actually deployed to the streets.

According to a National Guard spokesperson, the troops are "conducting preparations to protect property and ensure public safety, and support the right to peaceful assembly if needed."

Federal Response

The Trump administration has deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota, including over 2,000 ICE agents, hundreds of Border Patrol agents, and Department of Justice personnel.

President Trump criticized Minnesota's governor and Minneapolis mayor on social media, threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if politicians "don't follow the law and stop professional agitators attacking ICE patriots."

On Friday, January 16, federal judge Catherine Menendez issued a ruling limiting federal agents from using crowd control measures like tear gas or pepper spray on peaceful protesters or arresting protesters who have not broken the law.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Department of Justice is investigating Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal law enforcement.

Community Response

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey took a firm stance, stating "ICE, get out of Minneapolis. We don't want you here. The ostensible purpose you came to this city was to create safety, but you're doing exactly the opposite."

Minnesota senators also condemned the incidents, with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith emphasizing that Good was a U.S. citizen.

The scheduled Timberwolves-Warriors NBA game on January 24 was postponed due to the incident.

Historical Context

This tension represents one of the biggest crises Minneapolis has faced since the 2020 murder of George Floyd. The fact that Good was killed less than a mile from where Floyd was murdered has left an even deeper wound in the community.

Governor Walz was criticized for his delayed mobilization of state resources during the 2020 Floyd protests, prompting him to respond more quickly this time.

Current Situation

As of the evening of January 24, the scene has largely transitioned to a peaceful state, though the crowd of protesters continues to grow. Minnesota is operating its emergency operations center at level 2 to monitor the situation.

The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are conducting a joint investigation, but it is in the early stages and more information will take time to emerge.

As the Trump administration's "largest ever" immigration enforcement operation continues, the standoff between Minnesota and the federal government is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.

References

KARE11: Federal agents shoot, kill man in Minneapolis
City of Minneapolis: Minneapolis responds to fatal shooting
PBS NewsHour: Man shot by federal officers during Minneapolis immigration crackdown
FOX 9: Minneapolis shooting: Border Patrol fatally shoots man
ABC News: Minnesota governor prepares National Guard
CNN: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz mobilizes state National Guard

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