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The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, by federal immigration officers has ignited a national crisis, deepening divisions over President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. The incident marks the second killing of a U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minnesota this month, following the death of Renee Good.
Conflicting accounts have emerged from both sides. Republican officials and the Trump administration express regret but blame Pretti’s actions and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership for resisting federal immigration authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel defended the agents, stating that appearing at a protest with a loaded firearm isn’t peaceful. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino characterized Pretti as “actively impeding and assaulting law enforcement” during a targeted operation against an illegal immigrant.
However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara disputes federal claims, stating videos show Pretti lawfully exercising his First and Second Amendment rights by recording officers and carrying a permitted handgun. He found no evidence of weapon brandishing or assault. Videos show Pretti directing traffic while filming when an agent shoved a bystander. Pretti intervened before being pepper-sprayed, wrestled down, and shot multiple times as agents seized his licensed weapon.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanded Trump remove the 2,000 immigration agents deployed under Operation Metro Surge, warning they might “kill another person.” He challenged Americans to choose between supporting an overreaching federal government or defending citizens’ constitutional rights.
The crisis has triggered a political standoff in Washington. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Democrats would block the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, demanding reforms to ICE and Customs and Border Protection. He called the killings “appalling murders” requiring system overhaul.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise blamed Minnesota’s Democratic leaders for promoting anti-ICE rhetoric that endangered federal officers, claiming such incidents only occur in Minneapolis due to failed local leadership.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison revealed the Trump administration has refused cooperation with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s investigation, even blocking access despite a judicial warrant.
State officials are fighting in court to preserve evidence, questioning whether the administration is hiding information.
Senator Chris Murphy accused the administration of blatantly lying about video evidence, warning Americans should be alarmed by officials contradicting what’s clearly visible. The standoff represents what Ellison called “uncharted territory” and “an unprecedented time” requiring decisive action.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
