Minneapolis Identifies 37-Year-Old ICU Nurse Alex Pretti After Fatal Encounter With Federal Agents

Minneapolis Identifies 37‑Year‑Old ICU Nurse Alex Pretti After Fatal Encounter With Federal Agents

On January 24, 2026, Minneapolis was shaken by news that a well‑known and well‑liked resident had been fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation. The man was identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive care unit nurse with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. The incident has reverberated across the city and the nation, touching on issues of law enforcement, civil liberties, public protest, and the role of federal agents in local communities.

In the days since Pretti’s death, public reaction has ranged from grief and disbelief to outrage and calls for accountability. His identity has become central to a conversation about the use of force by federal immigration authorities, the rights of citizens during enforcement operations, and the human toll of confrontations between law enforcement and civilians.

Who Was Alex Pretti?

Before national headlines, Alex Pretti was not a household name. To his friends, colleagues, and family, he was a dedicated nurse, a compassionate caregiver, and someone who cared deeply about his community.

Pretti worked in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he cared for veterans and critically ill patients. His family described him as kind‑hearted and compassionate, a man who wanted to “make a difference in this world.”

Friends and coworkers echoed this sentiment. They remembered Pretti as someone who brought warmth and humor to his work, and who embodied the values of the nursing profession — service, empathy, and responsibility. Colleagues highlighted his dedication to both his patients and to helping those around him understand complex medical situations with clarity and care.

Pretti was also known outside the hospital. He was passionate about the outdoors, an avid mountain biker, and loved spending time with his dog. Those who knew him described a life full of ordinary joys and genuine human connection — a contrast to the violent way in which his life ended.

What Happened on January 24?

The fatal encounter occurred on a Saturday morning in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, near a popular local donut shop. Federal agents from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were conducting an immigration enforcement operation aimed at detaining a person wanted for assault.

Continue reading…