‘They picked the wrong state’: how Minneapolis is fighting back

In Minneapolis, two US federal agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, on January 29, 2026. The shooting occurred during an immigration raid, prompting outrage and a vigil for the victim. The agents' removal from duty is a response to the fallout from the incident. Al Jazeera's Manuel Rapalo is reporting on the ongoing situation. The event is the most recent in a series of killings of US citizens that have sparked public concern.

Videos have surfaced showing Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis, in a prior altercation with federal agents 11 days earlier. The videos, taken on January 13th during protests against a federal crackdown, show officers grabbing and tackling Pretti after he yelled at agents in an unmarked vehicle and kicked its tail light. The footage reveals a heavily armed agent tackling Pretti, who then broke free and remained at the scene as agents left. A gun was visible in Pretti's waistband, though he never touched it. Pretti's family confirmed his identity in the video and stated he sustained injuries but did not seek medical care. The family's attorney stated that this prior incident could not justify Pretti's subsequent killing.

New videos show Alex Pretti in a scuffle with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on January 13, 2026, eleven days before his death. The videos, which emerged Wednesday, show Pretti kicking out the tail light of the officers' vehicle during a protest. He is then seen shouting an expletive and struggling with the officers, who forcefully take him to the ground. The videos show Pretti's coat coming off during the altercation. It is unclear whether he broke free or was released by the officers. Pretti was later shot and killed by Border Patrol officers.

In Minneapolis, local rapid response networks and mutual aid groups are mobilizing in response to increased activity by federal immigration agents. Organizations like The TakeMinneapolis are drawing on lessons from movements that emerged after the 2020 killing of George Floyd to build a sustained community defense. These efforts include organizing protests and providing support to those affected by immigration enforcement. The movement also involves observers, such as Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents. The protests and organizing efforts are ongoing as of January 29, 2026, with the goal of community defense against federal immigration actions.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis has intensified public outcry over the tactics used in the city's immigration operations. The incident, the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in under a month, led to increased tensions and frequent protests. New footage shows an altercation between Pretti and federal officers 11 days before his death, confirmed by a family spokesperson. The backlash prompted President Trump to announce a "de-escalation" of federal activity in Minneapolis. The BBC has analyzed the new footage and examined how Trump's stance on Minneapolis shifted following the shooting.

The NRA and other gun rights groups are calling for a full investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a border agent in Minneapolis on Saturday. This call comes in response to conflicting accounts from state and federal officials regarding whether Pretti was armed and posed a threat. The NRA specifically criticized comments made by a federal prosecutor who suggested that carrying a gun near law enforcement increases the risk of being shot. Other gun advocacy groups and politicians have also condemned the prosecutor's statement, asserting the right to bear arms, even during protests. The incident has sparked protests and debate over the use of force by federal agents and the Second Amendment.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis, the NRA and other pro-gun groups are calling for a full investigation. The 37-year-old nurse was reportedly legally permitted to carry a gun and video footage of the incident does not show him holding a weapon. The controversy arose after a former Trump-appointed US attorney, Bill Essayli, suggested law enforcement would likely be justified in shooting someone approaching them with a gun. The NRA and Gun Owners of America criticized Essayli's statement, asserting it demonizes law-abiding citizens and infringes on Second Amendment rights. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office also criticized Essayli, while Essayli defended his statement, clarifying he meant individuals refusing to disarm.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, an online fundraiser was launched to support his family. The GoFundMe campaign, titled "Alex Pretti is an American Hero," quickly surpassed its initial goal of $20,000, raising nearly $400,000 within a day. Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse and US citizen, was killed during a federal operation in the city, sparking protests. Videos circulating online show Pretti filming agents and intervening when a legal observer was shoved; he was then tackled, and shot after agents claimed he had a gun. His parents have expressed anger and refuted claims made by the Trump administration. The fundraiser organizer is working with GoFundMe to ensure the funds reach Pretti's family.