The death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has ignited public anger and intense scrutiny over law enforcement actions.
Two Border Patrol agents involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, as officials investigate the incident.
Sources within the Department of Homeland Security confirmed to the Daily Mail that the unnamed agents were suspended amid the ongoing probe.
As part of standard procedure, the agents received mental health support and were immediately placed on at least three days of administrative leave.
When they return, they are expected to be reassigned to desk duties rather than fieldwork.
Tensions Rise Following Recent Minneapolis Shootings
Pretti’s death comes just weeks after another high-profile incident in the city, when an ICE officer shot and killed anti-ICE protester Renee Good.
That officer, Jonathan Ross, was also placed on administrative leave.
Following Pretti’s shooting, President Trump called for a full investigation into the circumstances, signaling heightened federal attention.
Initially, federal officials suggested Pretti was a “domestic terrorist” because he was carrying a legally owned firearm.
However, a newly released government report disputes claims that he brandished the weapon, undermining earlier allegations.
New Report Details Shooting Timeline
The report outlines that the events unfolded around 9 a.m. on Saturday when agents encountered protesters at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue.
Agents claimed protesters were “yelling and blowing whistles” while blocking the roadway.
According to the report, two women approached the agents, refusing to leave despite repeated verbal warnings.
CBP personnel attempted to push them away, but the women allegedly returned to the road, prompting one officer to deploy pepper spray.
The confrontation escalated when officers tried to arrest Pretti, leading to a struggle.
During the altercation, a Border Patrol agent reportedly shouted multiple times that Pretti “had a gun.”
Within roughly five seconds, two officers discharged their firearms—one using a Glock 19, the other a Glock 47.
Shortly afterward, an agent secured Pretti’s weapon.
Emergency Response and Investigation
CBP attempted to provide immediate aid, applying chest seals to Pretti’s wounds at 9:02 a.m., with EMS arriving three minutes later.
He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, arriving at 9:14 a.m., and was pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General has been notified, and a formal investigation is ongoing.
A CBP spokesperson emphasized that the initial notifications reflect standard protocol, serving as factual reports rather than conclusions, designed to keep Congress informed and maintain transparency.
Fallout Within the Administration
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced internal scrutiny for calling Pretti an “assassin,” prompting President Trump to confront her during a late-night Oval Office meeting.
Trump reportedly criticized her handling of the situation and instructed her to shift her focus from interior immigration enforcement to securing the Southern Border.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar and a long-standing rival of Noem, was ordered to lead Minnesota operations.
Despite the controversy and a drop in her approval rating to 33 percent in a recent poll, Noem is expected to retain her position.
What Comes Next
The investigation into Pretti’s death continues, with questions about the agents’ actions, the adequacy of training, and the federal response dominating the conversation.
Lawmakers and the public are closely watching how DHS handles accountability and transparency in the coming weeks.
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