Minnesota has deployed the National Guard following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by an ICE agent. Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis requested Guard troops’ assistance after protester Alex Pretti was killed near Nicollet Avenue. Pretti, an intensive care nurse protesting against Donald Trump’s immigration policies, was identified by family members as clashes erupted between protesters and federal officers.
The Minnesota National Guard was dispatched to the shooting location and a federal building where demonstrators confronted officers. Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that there is limited information on the events leading to the shooting but indicated that Pretti possessed a permit to carry a weapon.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, claimed that federal officers fired “defensive shots” when a man with a handgun resisted disarmament attempts. Witnesses’ videos of the incident show Pretti holding a phone with no visible weapon. The shooting occurred close to where another individual was killed by an ICE officer in January, prompting widespread protests.
Pretti’s family expressed their sorrow and anger in a statement, describing him as a compassionate nurse dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. They refuted claims made by the administration, asserting that Pretti was not armed during the altercation with ICE officers.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned that Pretti obstructed a law enforcement operation but did not provide details on whether he brandished the weapon. The ICE agent involved in the shooting is reported to be an eight-year Border Patrol veteran.
Following the incident, President Donald Trump criticized Governor Walz and Mayor Frey on social media, questioning the lack of local police protection for ICE officers. He accused the officials of inciting insurrection with their rhetoric.
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