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Senior officials in the Trump administration on Sunday defended the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, even as newly surfaced videos appeared to challenge the government’s account and tensions intensified between federal officers, local authorities, and residents.
The man who was killed, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, worked as an intensive care unit nurse and was shot on Saturday during a confrontation involving federal immigration agents. His death marked the second fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis this month. As snow fell and temperatures dropped, community members gathered at the scene to leave flowers and light candles in his memory, while anger and grief spread across the city.
Federal officials argued that the shooting was justified, saying Pretti assaulted agents and interfered with a law enforcement operation. Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol commander-at-large, said on national television that agents acted in self-defense. He emphasized that Pretti was carrying a firearm, which he was legally licensed to carry, and insisted that law enforcement officers were the true victims in the incident. However, Bovino did not provide evidence that Pretti was attempting to disrupt an official operation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed that position, accusing Pretti of obstructing federal agents and becoming aggressive when they ordered him to disengage. She said such actions amounted to a felony under federal law and justified the agents’ response.
Those statements were quickly challenged by video footage recorded by bystanders and reviewed by journalists. The videos show Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, as he filmed agents pushing protesters. In the footage, an agent is seen shoving one woman and forcing another to the ground. Pretti steps between the agent and the women, appearing to raise his arm defensively before being pepper-sprayed.
Several agents then wrestle Pretti to the ground, pinning him on his hands and knees. During the struggle, someone can be heard shouting a warning about a gun. Moments later, video appears to show one agent removing a firearm from Pretti and moving away from the group. Shortly after, another officer fires multiple shots into Pretti’s back at close range, followed by additional gunfire.
Former ICE official Darius Reeves described the footage as deeply troubling, pointing to what he said looked like a lack of coordination and communication among the agents. He noted that if one officer had already secured Pretti’s weapon, the use of deadly force raised serious questions. Reeves added that the confusion visible after the shots were fired suggested officers themselves were unsure what had happened.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the videos contradicted the federal government’s narrative. He stated that he had seen no evidence that Pretti ever pointed or threatened officers with a gun, calling the administration’s claims “deeply disturbing.”
The shooting added to already high tensions in Minneapolis following the killing of another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, by a federal agent earlier this month. Federal officials said Good attempted to ram an agent with her vehicle, but critics argue video footage suggests she was trying to drive away. Federal authorities have barred local officials from participating in investigations into both incidents.
Democratic leaders condemned the federal presence in the city. Senator Amy Klobuchar called the deployment of federal agents “out of control” and said the killing of Pretti was horrifying. She urged the administration to pull agents out of Minnesota.
The deaths have fueled protests in Minneapolis and other cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where demonstrators have rallied against the expanded use of federal immigration enforcement. Trump has defended the operations as necessary to enforce immigration laws and reduce crime.
Legal action followed quickly after Pretti’s death. A federal judge issued a temporary order preventing authorities from destroying or altering evidence related to the shooting. Additional lawsuits seek to limit the use of force by federal agents against protesters as demonstrations continue.