Police chief urges calm after immigration shooting
- A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.
- The incident has sparked widespread protests in the city.
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has called for calm and urged federal agencies to operate with integrity.
- Governor Tim Walz has reached out to President Trump, demanding an end to the immigration crackdown.
- The shooting follows another fatal incident involving ICE officers just weeks prior.
Fatal Shooting of a Minneapolis Man by Federal Officers
On a cold Saturday morning in January 2026, federal immigration officers shot and killed a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis, igniting protests and unrest in a city already reeling from a previous shooting involving federal agents. The victim, identified as Alex Pretti, was an intensive care unit nurse and a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the officers fired “defensive shots” after Pretti allegedly approached them with a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him.
The shooting occurred during a federal immigration operation that has been described as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants. This incident has drawn significant public outrage, particularly in light of the recent killing of another local resident, Renee Good, by an ICE officer just weeks earlier. The proximity of the two incidents has heightened tensions in the community, leading to calls for accountability and reform in federal immigration practices.
Response from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara
In the wake of the shooting, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the media and the public, urging calm and restraint. He emphasized the need for federal agencies operating in the city to adhere to the principles of discipline, humanity, and integrity that are expected of law enforcement. O’Hara acknowledged the anger and frustration within the community but stressed the importance of peaceful protest.
“Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands,” O’Hara stated. “We urge everyone to remain peaceful.”
O’Hara’s appeal for calm comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions and protests against federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. The police chief’s call reflects a broader concern about the impact of federal operations on community safety and trust in law enforcement.
Community Reactions and Protests Following the Incident
The shooting of Alex Pretti has led to significant community backlash, with hundreds of protesters taking to the streets of Minneapolis. Demonstrators expressed their outrage, chanting slogans such as “ICE out now” and calling for an end to federal immigration operations in the city. Many protesters were visibly angry, with some confronting federal officers and demanding accountability for the shooting.
The protests have been marked by confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, with federal agents deploying tear gas and other crowd control measures in response to the unrest. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes, with protesters blocking streets and expressing their frustration over the federal government’s actions.
“They’re killing my neighbors!” exclaimed Minneapolis resident Josh Koskie, highlighting the emotional toll the incident has taken on the community.
The protests are part of a larger movement against federal immigration enforcement, which has intensified in recent weeks. Activists and community members are calling for a reevaluation of how federal agencies operate in urban areas, particularly in communities with significant immigrant populations.
Governor Tim Walz’s Appeal to President Trump
In response to the shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reached out to President Trump, urging him to reconsider the ongoing immigration operations in the state. Walz has been vocal about his concerns regarding the federal crackdown, which he described as a “war” being waged against Minnesota.
“Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz posted on social media, emphasizing the need for a change in federal policy.
Walz’s appeal reflects a growing frustration among state officials regarding the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement. The governor’s call for action comes amid increasing scrutiny of the tactics used by federal agents and their impact on local communities.
Background Context: Previous Fatal Shooting by ICE Officers
The recent shooting of Alex Pretti is not an isolated incident; it follows another tragic event in which 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Good’s death occurred during a traffic stop, and the circumstances surrounding her shooting have also sparked widespread protests and calls for accountability.
The proximity of these two incidents has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement practices in Minneapolis. Activists argue that the aggressive tactics employed by federal agents contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust within immigrant communities.
Details Surrounding the Shooting Incident
Circumstances Leading to the Shooting
The shooting of Alex Pretti unfolded during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. According to reports from the Department of Homeland Security, officers were conducting an operation when Pretti allegedly approached them with a handgun. The officers claimed that Pretti “violently resisted” their attempts to disarm him, prompting them to fire their weapons.
Witness accounts and bystander videos of the incident have emerged, providing conflicting narratives about what transpired. Some videos show Pretti holding a cellphone rather than a weapon, raising questions about the justification for the use of deadly force.
Identity of the Victim and His Background
Alex Pretti was a well-respected ICU nurse, known for his dedication to his patients and his work in the community. He was a licensed nurse who graduated from the University of Minnesota and had been actively working in the healthcare field. His death has left a profound impact on his colleagues and the community, with many expressing their grief and anger over the circumstances surrounding his shooting.
Pretti’s family has publicly identified him as a lawful gun owner, further complicating the narrative surrounding the incident. The community is now grappling with the loss of a beloved member and the implications of federal immigration enforcement practices on local safety.
Federal Immigration Operations in Minneapolis
The federal immigration operations in Minneapolis have been characterized as aggressive and visible, drawing criticism from local officials and community members. The Department of Homeland Security has described these operations as part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws, but many residents feel that the tactics employed by federal agents are excessive and harmful.
The presence of federal agents in the city has led to heightened tensions and fears among immigrant communities. Activists argue that these operations contribute to a culture of fear, making it difficult for individuals to feel safe in their own neighborhoods.
Call for Calm Amidst Rising Tensions
As protests continue and tensions rise, community leaders and officials are calling for calm and dialogue. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara’s appeal for peaceful protest is echoed by various community organizations and activists who seek to address the underlying issues surrounding immigration enforcement.
The need for constructive conversations about public safety, community trust, and federal immigration policies is more pressing than ever. Local leaders are advocating for a collaborative approach that prioritizes the well-being of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
Community Response and Future Implications
Understanding the Impact of Federal Operations
The recent shooting incidents have highlighted the significant impact of federal immigration operations on local communities. Many residents are calling for a reevaluation of these practices, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize community safety and trust.
The ongoing protests and community responses reflect a growing movement advocating for immigrant rights and accountability in law enforcement. As tensions continue to simmer, it is crucial for local leaders to engage with community members and address their concerns.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
In the aftermath of the shooting of Alex Pretti, there are increasing calls for accountability and reform within federal immigration enforcement. Community members and activists are demanding transparency in investigations and a reassessment of the tactics used by federal agents.
The tragic loss of life has galvanized a movement for change, with many advocating for policies that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. As the community continues to grapple with these issues, the need for dialogue and reform remains paramount.
Closing
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers has sparked a wave of protests and calls for accountability in Minneapolis. As the community navigates the aftermath of this tragedy, the importance of dialogue, reform, and a commitment to justice cannot be overstated. The events surrounding this incident serve as a reminder of the urgent need for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement and a renewed focus on community safety and trust.
Commercial Closing
As the situation in Minneapolis continues to evolve, it is essential for community members, leaders, and policymakers to work together towards a more just and equitable future. The voices of those affected by federal immigration enforcement must be heard, and their calls for change should guide the path forward.