Minneapolis has become the center of a heated national debate after the tragic death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot by a Border Patrol agent during an immigration enforcement operation.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from both the Trump administration and local officials, shining a spotlight on federal immigration tactics and state authority.
Trump Expresses Dismay While Issuing Ultimatum
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting, telling reporters he “doesn’t like any shooting” but emphasized his concern over armed civilians at protests.
Speaking with The Wall Street Journal, he said:
“I don’t like any shooting. I don’t like it.
But I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest with a very powerful, fully-loaded gun with two magazines. That doesn’t play well either.”
Trump’s comments reflected a reluctance to fully defend the unidentified agent responsible for Pretti’s death, which occurred in broad daylight on Saturday.
The Circumstances of Pretti’s Death
Federal authorities reported that Pretti, 37, allegedly approached Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
The fatal confrontation follows another recent ICE shooting involving Renee Good, also 37.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that agents “clearly feared for their lives” and fired defensively after Pretti allegedly resisted.
However, multiple videos captured at the scene tell a more complex story.
While federal officials say Pretti was armed, bystander footage shows him holding only a phone during the initial scuffle, leading some experts to suggest the first shot may have been a negligent discharge by a federal agent.
Minneapolis police confirmed Pretti had no serious criminal history and was a licensed gun owner.
Trump Demands Cooperation From Minnesota Officials
Following the shooting, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to demand action from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
He ordered them to hand over all criminal immigrants in custody to federal authorities and called on other Democratic leaders across the country to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Trump also reiterated his push to end sanctuary city policies, claiming they are the “root cause” of crime in American cities and insisting law-abiding citizens deserve safe communities free from criminal immigrants.
Walz Pushes Back, Calls for Federal Withdrawal
Governor Walz responded forcefully, dismissing Trump’s claims as a “red herring” and urging the president to remove federal agents from Minnesota.
“President Trump, you can end this today.
Pull these folks back, do humane, focused, effective immigration control — you’ve got our support,” Walz said.
He criticized the federal operation as an overreach, stating that Minnesota law enforcement should handle state-level policing while federal authorities focus on immigration matters.
Walz also accused Trump and top administration officials of smearing Pretti, turning him into a political example.
Emotional Appeal From Pretti’s Family
Governor Walz revealed conversations with Pretti’s grieving family, highlighting their desire to ensure Alex’s story is remembered.
His father reportedly asked Walz:
“Don’t let them forget Alex’s story.”
The governor called on Americans to reject political exploitation of Pretti’s death and demanded accountability from federal authorities.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
Despite DHS claims, video evidence shows Pretti was initially unarmed during the confrontation.
The official account states he was carrying a 9mm Sig Sauer P320, but experts suggest the first shot may have come from an agent after disarming him.
Border Patrol confirmed that the agent who fired had eight years of experience and extensive safety and less-lethal training.
A federal judge has since issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from destroying or altering any evidence related to the incident.
As investigations continue, key questions remain about whether Pretti’s gun discharged and how federal agents handled the confrontation.
Minneapolis Faces a National Spotlight
The death of Alex Pretti has intensified debates over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and federal versus state authority.
With Trump demanding stricter cooperation and Walz defending local governance, Minneapolis has become a flashpoint for broader national tensions — and the nation is watching closely as the investigation unfolds.
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