The anti-ICE agitator shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in south Minneapolis on Saturday has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, according to reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune. Pretti was a resident of the Whittier neighborhood, the same area where the fatal encounter occurred during a federal enforcement operation.
[read more]
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that agents recovered a loaded handgun and an additional magazine at the scene. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that Pretti had legally obtained the firearm and was licensed to carry at the time of the incident — a fact officials say does not alter the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Video footage from the hours leading up to the incident shows Pretti following federal agents and filming them as they conducted operations. According to DHS, agents were attempting to arrest an illegal alien wanted for violent assault when Pretti intervened. He then became physically involved with agents during the arrest attempt.
Footage shows multiple agents wrestling Pretti on the ground as voices can be heard yelling “gun.” DHS has stated that Pretti was reaching for his firearm during the struggle. Moments later, shots were fired. Federal officials say agents attempted to disarm him and that he violently resisted, forcing an officer to fire in self-defense.
CBP Commander Greg Bovino said during a press conference that Pretti approached agents during a targeted enforcement operation and escalated the encounter. Emergency responders provided aid immediately after the shooting, but Pretti was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. DHS described the incident as one involving an individual intent on causing “maximum damage” to law enforcement.
Alex Pretti has been identified as the deceased individual in Saturday’s CBP-involved shooting
Local outlet KARE reported that Pretti was a licensed nurse, owned a home in south Minneapolis, and had no serious criminal history. However, footage and reporting indicate he was affiliated with anti-ICE protest activity. Officials noted parallels to other recent incidents involving ICE-opposition groups, including those tied to local “ICE Watch” organizations, underscoring growing concerns about agitators interfering with federal law enforcement operations.[/read]