Fatal Shooting of Protester in Minneapolis Sparks Controversy

Mon Feb 02 2026 22:52:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Border Patrol agent shot and killed a Minneapolis protester during an immigration enforcement operation, leading to widespread backlash and debates about federal authority and police training.

The shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent on Saturday has ignited fierce debate among Minnesota officials and the public. This incident marks the second fatal shooting of a protester related to federal immigration operations this month. Witness footage shows a rapid escalation from confrontation to lethal force, prompting calls for accountability and raising questions about the training and oversight of federal law enforcement. The local mayor and the state's governor condemn the actions, while federal officials assert the shooting was in self-defense as Pretti allegedly brandished a firearm.

On Saturday, Minneapolis witnessed another tragic event as federal authorities shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti during a protest against an immigration enforcement operation. Footage of the incident rapidly circulated online, prompting divergent responses from state and federal officials. Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, criticized the shooting, attributing it to a lack of adequate training among federal officers. In contrast, officials from the Trump administration claimed that Pretti instigated the violence by resisting arrest and allegedly brandishing a weapon.

The incident, which occurred around 9 a.m., has been described as the second fatal confrontation involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis this month, following the shooting of another individual, Renee Good. As protests reached a boiling point, multiple videos showed the chaotic scene unfold, with officers attempting to manage the crowd while confronting Pretti directly.

Mayor Frey expressed horror after reviewing video footage, which he claimed depicted agents excessively using force against a civilian. He echoed criticisms against 'Operation Metro Surge,' a major immigration crackdown aimed at deporting undocumented individuals, deeming it an invasion.

During the encounter, while federal officers pursued a suspect wanted for domestic assault, protesters attempted to disrupt their efforts by yelling and using noisemakers. Pretti, who was among the demonstrators, was caught in the physical altercation with officers, resulting in escalating violence. Video testimony shows Pretti attempting to engage with the officers before tensions escalated, leading to the agent drawing a firearm and firing multiple times, hitting Pretti.

In reaction to the incident, Governor Walz expressed grave concerns, describing the situation as disturbing and emblematic of broader issues regarding law enforcement practices and federal intervention in local matters. Meanwhile, federal officials maintained their stance, asserting that Pretti's actions warranted defensive response from agents on the ground.

The ramifications of this incident continue to unfold, with protests against the federal enforcement actions expected to grow in size and intensity. Calls for investigations into the shooting and demands for systemic reforms within border enforcement practices have gained momentum in the wake of the tragedy.