Federal Immigration Operation in Minneapolis Leads to Death of ICU Nurse, Sparking Outcry

Community Reaction Intensifies as Conflicting Accounts Spread Online.

Minneapolis — A federal immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis resulted in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, igniting widespread controversy and social media uproar.

Pretti, a seasoned critical care nurse, was shot during an interaction with federal agents late Saturday, leading to immediate public outcry as videos of the incident circulated across Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms.

According to official statements from federal authorities, Pretti was armed and resisted agents’ efforts to disarm him, prompting a defensive use of deadly force. However, multiple user-shared videos paint a starkly different picture, with some clips showing Pretti holding what appears to be a cellphone and being subdued with pepper spray moments before shots are fired. These widely shared videos have fueled heated debate online and in local communities, with many questioning the necessity and proportionality of the force used.

Local leaders have called for a full, transparent investigation, emphasizing the importance of clarity amid conflicting narratives.

The shooting comes amid heightened tensions over recent immigration enforcement actions in the city and has sparked protests and calls for federal accountability. As the investigation continues, public demand for answers remains strong.