Immigration agents have shot and killed a man in Minneapolis, triggering angry protests and sharp criticism from state and local leaders.
The man, Alex Pretti, was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, according to his family. He was shot during a confrontation with federal immigration officers on Saturday morning in south Minneapolis.
Hundreds of people protested later that day and into the night, despite freezing temperatures. Demonstrators also spoke out against ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the city.
Several videos recorded by bystanders show Pretti filming immigration agents during a protest. In the footage, agents appear to pepper-spray him, force him to the ground and then open fire. One officer can be seen pulling what looks like a gun from the struggle moments before another agent shoots.
Federal officials say Pretti approached officers with a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him, claiming the shooting was self-defence. The Trump administration has described him as a “domestic terrorist.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz strongly rejected that account, calling it “lies” and pointing to video evidence. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also demanded that federal immigration agents leave the state.
Minneapolis police later confirmed Pretti was a legal gun owner with no criminal record beyond traffic offences.
The shooting comes less than three weeks after another Minneapolis resident was killed by an immigration agent, further intensifying protests and political backlash.
