The family of 37‑year‑old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the Minneapolis ICU nurse who was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement action on January 24, issued a powerful and emotional statement in the aftermath of his death. Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, described themselves as “heartbroken but also very angry.” They remembered their son as a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family, friends, and the American veterans he served as a nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis.
They emphasized that Alex wanted to make a difference in the world and that his last actions were consistent with that character. According to the family, video evidence shows him holding only a cellphone and raising his free hand while trying to shield a woman who had been pushed to the ground and pepper‑sprayed by agents, not threatening anyone with a weapon. The statement calls attention to those recordings and directly refutes claims that he displayed a gun.
Rejection of Government Narrative
The Pretti family strongly condemned statements from federal officials, including assertions that Alex had posed a threat. They described what they called the “sickening lies told about our son by the administration” as “reprehensible and disgusting.” In their view, these narratives have inaccurately portrayed his conduct, and they urged authorities and the public to “get the truth out about our son.” Importantly, the family noted that Pretti’s legal firearm was never brandished during the encounter, and multiple videos show him unarmed in the moments before he was shot. They also pointed out that they learned of his death from the media, not from law enforcement — an omission that added to their frustration and anger.
A Call for Truth and Legacy
In closing, Pretti’s parents stressed that their son was a good man who dedicated his life to caring for others and that they want that truth recognized and remembered. They highlighted his compassion, service to patients, and willingness to act in defense of people in need — even in chaotic situations. Their statement serves both as a tribute to his life and a call for transparency, accountability, and honesty in the official account of what happened.
Community Response and Protests
Following Alex Pretti’s death, Minneapolis and surrounding communities have witnessed an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. Supporters, friends, and activists organized vigils and peaceful protests demanding transparency and accountability from federal law enforcement agencies. Many demonstrators carried signs reading “Justice for Alex” and “End Federal Overreach,” expressing outrage over what they view as excessive force during immigration enforcement. The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about the role of federal agents in local communities and the impact of immigration enforcement tactics on everyday residents. Local officials have called for an independent investigation to clarify the circumstances leading to the shooting and to ensure community safety.
Ongoing Investigations
Multiple agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have launched investigations into the incident. These probes aim to determine whether the use of lethal force was justified and if proper procedures were followed during the operation. The investigations face intense public scrutiny due to conflicting accounts and video footage released by witnesses. Authorities have promised a transparent review and pledged to hold accountable any personnel found to have violated policies or laws. Meanwhile, the Pretti family and their legal representatives have called for a thorough and impartial inquiry to bring justice and prevent future tragedies.
