Border Patrol Agents on Leave After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting

Two Federal Agents Placed on Administrative Leave Following Controversial Shooting

Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the agents were removed from field duty as multiple investigations into the incident proceed. According to a preliminary DHS report sent to Congress, both agents discharged their firearms during the confrontation, though the report notably does not confirm earlier claims that Pretti was 'brandishing' a weapon.

Contradictory Accounts and Video Evidence

The shooting occurred during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, where approximately 50 anti-ICE protesters had gathered. Video footage circulating online appears to contradict the official DHS narrative, showing Pretti filming the scene when an agent pepper-sprayed him before multiple agents pinned him to the ground. Witnesses say Pretti was attempting to help a woman who had been knocked down by agents when the confrontation escalated.

'The video clearly shows Alex was trying to help someone, not threaten anyone,' said a fellow protester who witnessed the incident. 'He had his phone out, not a gun.'

Authorities claim an errant shot from Pretti's legally-owned pistol - which was removed from his waistband - may have triggered the shooting. However, the DHS report states only that agents yelled 'He's got a gun!' multiple times before firing nearly a dozen shots.

Political Fallout and Growing Tensions

The incident has sparked significant political controversy, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sharply criticizing federal authorities. Governor Walz called the shooting 'sickening' and demanded President Trump withdraw 'thousands of violent untrained agents' from Minnesota immediately.

'This administration has rushed to judgment and besmirched the reputation of a dedicated nurse who served our veterans,' Walz stated during a press conference.

President Trump responded on Truth Social, accusing Frey of 'playing with fire' for stating Minneapolis would not enforce federal immigration laws. The White House had previously accused Walz of spreading 'malicious lies.'

Multiple Investigations Underway

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are conducting separate investigations into the shooting, while local Minnesota authorities are pursuing their own inquiry due to distrust of federal agencies. This marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks, following the death of 37-year-old Renée Good.

Former President Barack Obama called Pretti's death 'a wake-up call for every American, regardless of political preference,' while musician Bruce Springsteen released a new song titled 'Streets of Minneapolis' in response to what he called 'state terror.'

In a significant development, President Trump agreed to begin withdrawing some federal immigration officers from Minnesota following phone calls with Governor Walz. Border czar Tom Homan has been deployed to manage ICE operations in the state.

Broader Implications

The shooting has intensified longstanding tensions between federal immigration authorities and local governments in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis. It comes amid a broader national debate about immigration enforcement and the appropriate use of federal force in local jurisdictions.

Pretti, a lawful gun owner with a concealed carry permit and no criminal record, worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Colleagues describe him as a dedicated healthcare professional who previously participated in protests following George Floyd's killing in 2020.

As investigations continue, the case has become a flashpoint in the national conversation about police accountability, federal overreach, and immigration policy in the United States.