The family of the man fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis over the weekend has shared photos of him, expressing their grief. Identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration, he was known for his deep compassion and was troubled by the immigration enforcement activities under President Donald Trump in the city. A nature enthusiast, he enjoyed outdoor activities with his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, who had recently passed away.
Pretti had been actively involved in protests following the killing of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier in the month. Described as caring deeply for others, he expressed his strong disapproval of ICE actions in Minneapolis and across the United States, aligning with the sentiments of many others who share his concerns.
Born in Illinois, Pretti, a U.S. citizen, had a clean record with no criminal history, similar to Good. Raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he engaged in sports and extracurricular activities during his youth, including scouting and choir. He pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a degree in biology, society, and the environment before transitioning to a career in nursing.
One of his colleagues praised Pretti’s dedication to helping others and lamented his untimely demise, expressing outrage at the circumstances surrounding his death. Community members, like Jeanne Massey, voiced their shock and anger at the recurring violence involving federal agents in the city, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Pretti was shot after approaching U.S. Border Patrol officers with a handgun. While details about the incident remain unclear, family members confirmed that Pretti owned a handgun but had never been known to carry it. They were informed of the shooting through media sources and have since refuted claims made by the Trump administration, asserting that their son was unjustly targeted by ICE agents.
Despite the tragic events, residents of Minnesota gathered for a vigil to honor Pretti’s memory. Attendees expressed solidarity and determination to seek justice for the slain nurse, highlighting the community’s resolve to address issues of violence and accountability.
The circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death have sparked widespread outrage and calls for transparency and reform within law enforcement agencies. As the investigation unfolds, his family seeks to set the record straight about his character and the events leading to his tragic end.