Thousands of individuals gathered at a vigil to honor Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an American citizen and ICU nurse who was fatally shot by ICE agents. The 37-year-old was reportedly armed but had a valid license. Homeland Security claimed that Pretti resisted disarmament and was in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, according to the Department of Homeland Security. A local resident who attended the vigil at Whittier Park in Minneapolis, along with approximately 4,000 others, described the atmosphere as peaceful but noted precautions being taken such as nearby stores boarding up windows and individuals wearing ski goggles.
Pretti, born in Illinois, had no criminal record, according to court documents, and was described as a compassionate individual by his family and colleagues. His father emphasized Alex’s concerns about ICE practices and his commitment to advocating for others.
Community members expressed shock and anger over the incident, with one resident denouncing the shooting as a senseless act of violence by federal agents. Calls for accountability and an end to such operations were echoed during protests following the tragic event.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has urged President Donald Trump to remove federal agents from the state following this and a previous shooting involving an ICE agent. The incidents have sparked nationwide protests and heightened tensions within the community.
