A federal agent was seriously injured during a surge of unrest in Minneapolis after a far-left agitator allegedly bit off the agent’s finger amid violent protests. The incident occurred following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old anti-ICE activist, during an immigration enforcement operation.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting happened as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents attempted to arrest an illegal immigrant wanted for violent assault. Video footage shows Pretti intervening in the arrest, leading to a physical struggle. Shortly afterward, a gunshot was heard and agents opened fire; despite emergency medical efforts, Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting triggered immediate unrest in south Minneapolis, where hundreds of protesters and agitators gathered near the scene. Authorities said members of the crowd erected makeshift barricades, set fires, and confronted law enforcement, forcing a small group of Minneapolis police officers and federal agents to retreat.
During the chaos, a Homeland Security Investigations agent was violently attacked. Eyewitnesses and officials reported that a rioter lunged at the agent and bit down on their finger, severing it completely. The injured agent was transported to a local hospital, where doctors attempted emergency treatment, though officials later confirmed the finger could not be saved.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the assault in a public statement, and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that at least one suspect had been arrested and would face federal charges for assaulting a law enforcement officer. Authorities indicated that additional suspects connected to related acts of violence are under investigation.
In response to escalating unrest, federal and state authorities increased their security presence in Minneapolis. Additional ICE and Border Patrol agents were deployed as part of Operation Metro Surge, National Guard units were positioned to protect federal facilities, and President Donald Trump stated that use of the Insurrection Act remains a possibility if violence continues.