‘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.

On January 28, 2026, President Trump signaled interest in de-escalating tensions in Minneapolis following a second fatal shooting by federal agents. Despite this signal, the situation on the ground in Minneapolis remained largely unchanged. Federal agents were active in Blaine, Minnesota, and a memorial was erected for Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse shot by federal agents. The Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis was also pictured. Federal Bureau of Prisons officers threatened an AP video journalist with arrest, and chemical irritants were used by federal officers, requiring medical attention for at least one person.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the two involved Department of Homeland Security agents have been placed on administrative leave. This action coincides with President Trump's suggestion to "de-escalate" immigration enforcement in Minnesota, though details remain unclear. Despite this, immigration raids have continued, including an incident at the Ecuadorian consulate. The shooting and subsequent response have drawn criticism, including from the NRA, and fueled plans for large-scale protests. The Department of Homeland Security is conducting an investigation into the shooting, while Trump awaits the results.

In January 2026, President Donald Trump commented on the shooting of Alex Pretti during an immigration raid in Minneapolis. Pretti, who was legally armed, was shot by a federal agent. Trump stated that Pretti should not have been carrying a gun, despite his legal right to do so. He described the incident as "very unfortunate" and pledged to conduct an "honest" investigation into Pretti's death. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the justification for the agent's actions remain under investigation following Trump's statement.

A Department of Homeland Security report revealed that two federal officers fired their weapons during the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. The incident involved a US Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection officer who discharged their weapons after a struggle with Pretti on an icy street. According to the report, a Border Patrol agent yelled, "He's got a gun" before the shooting occurred. The report does not specify how many shots were fired or whether bullets from both officers struck Pretti. The shooting has sparked protests and condemnation, prompting President Trump to call for an investigation and suggest a potential de-escalation of immigration enforcement in the city.

President Trump stated he would "de-escalate a little bit" in Minneapolis following outcry over the fatal shootings of two people by federal immigration agents. This decision follows the deployment of border official Tom Homan to the city and the expected removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Trump described Bovino as "pretty out there" and characterized the changes as a "little bit of a change" rather than a pullback. Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey amidst the controversy. Trump also addressed the shooting of a protester, rejecting the "assassin" label used by an aide to describe him.

Gregory Bovino, a senior US border patrol official, gained prominence for his role in immigration crackdowns in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. However, his controversial statements following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by border patrol officers in Minneapolis led to his downfall. Bovino defended the shooting, claiming Pretti intended to harm law enforcement, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. His remarks sparked public outrage and put pressure on the Trump administration. As a result, Bovino was removed from his frontline role in Minneapolis, and his social media access was suspended. Tom Homan, Trump's "border tsar," was sent to oversee the operation, signaling a shift in the administration's approach.

Greg Bovino, the senior Border Patrol commander leading federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, is reportedly being moved out of the city amid scrutiny following two fatal shootings by immigration agents in January 2026. Bovino gained national attention for leading a large immigration operation in Los Angeles that resulted in over 5,000 arrests and has since overseen similar actions in other Democratic-led cities. In Minneapolis, he led Operation Metro Surge, an ICE effort that became controversial after agents fatally shot a protester and an ICU nurse. Bovino defended the agents' actions in the latter shooting, claiming the nurse posed a threat, a statement disputed by witnesses and officials. His public profile and visible role in the crackdown have drawn criticism and comparisons to fascism.

In 2026, the United States has seen multiple deaths linked to immigration law enforcement, including at least nine this month. The recent killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis have sparked protests and calls for accountability. At least six immigrants have died in ICE custody this year, while another person was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE officer. Last year, 32 deaths were reported in ICE custody, with some families alleging abuse and medical neglect. Another case involves Keith Porter, who was shot and killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve, with conflicting accounts of the incident.

Health professionals honored ICU nurse Alex Pretti, age 37, as his body was removed from a Minneapolis hospital on January 27, 2026. Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration crackdown. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the United States. Pretti's colleagues paid tribute to his service as an ICU nurse. The shooting occurred during a federal operation targeting immigration violations. The event has drawn national attention and criticism.

The Trump administration opposed expanding the use of body cameras for ICE agents and significantly reduced oversight staffing. This occurred as the administration increased the deployment of officers to US cities, including Minneapolis. These actions took place in the year prior to January when ICE agents fatally shot two American citizen protesters. The lack of body camera footage contrasts with bystander videos, which have challenged official accounts of these shootings, including the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. The administration's actions raise concerns about transparency and accountability in ICE operations.

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has become a prominent figure in President Trump's deportation efforts. Bovino defended recent immigration sweeps in Minneapolis, where federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse. The Trump administration claimed Pretti possessed a pistol and posed a threat, but video footage contradicts this, showing Pretti unarmed. Bovino asserted that the agents acted appropriately, preventing harm to law enforcement. The incident and Bovino's defense have drawn increased scrutiny to the administration's immigration policies and tactics.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is demanding President Trump withdraw the agents from the state. Pretti's death, the second such incident in Minneapolis involving federal agents in less than three weeks, has sparked outrage and intensified protests against the immigration crackdown. The Trump administration claims Pretti intended to harm the agents, citing a pistol found on him, but video evidence appears to contradict this account. Walz questioned Trump's plan and the need for federal agents in Minnesota, while administration officials defended the shooting. The incident has fueled calls for an independent investigation and further inflamed tensions between state and federal authorities.

Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai is calling for ICE to leave Minnesota following increased federal immigration enforcement and the death of a resident, Alex Pretti, shot by federal agents. Chughtai reports that ICE agents are creating fear and unrest in the city's southside, home to a large immigrant community, through daily raids and aggressive tactics. She says that two of the three homicides in Minneapolis this year were perpetrated by ICE. Chughtai is urging local leaders to arrest those responsible for the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good, and is asking Minnesota's governor to declare a state of emergency and implement an eviction moratorium to protect renters. Despite the fear, Chughtai emphasizes the community's resilience and commitment to supporting their neighbors.

On Sunday, January 26, 2026, a protest took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the death of Alex Pretti, a US citizen, in a shooting involving ICE. Protesters demanded justice in response to what they described as a fatal ICE shooting. This incident marks the second shooting death involving federal officers in Minneapolis this month. The march was organized to raise awareness and express outrage over the circumstances surrounding Pretti's death and the broader issue of federal law enforcement actions in the city. Hundreds of people participated in the demonstration.

BBC Verify has analyzed bystander video footage of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old man, by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. The incident occurred less than three weeks after another shooting in the city, where Renee Good was killed by an immigration agent. The analysis pieces together a detailed picture of the events leading up to Pretti's death using footage from multiple angles. The report contains distressing images and credits several individuals for verification, graphics, and video production. The analysis aims to provide a factual account of the shooting based on available video evidence.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, pressure is mounting on the Trump administration for a full investigation. The incident occurred on Saturday and involved ICE officers. Video evidence suggests officers removed Pretti's permitted handgun before shooting him, contradicting initial administration claims that he brandished the weapon. Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties, including Senator Bill Cassidy and Senator Amy Klobuchar, have called for transparency and a joint federal-state investigation. Some Democratic lawmakers are urging for the defunding of the Department of Homeland Security and the removal of federal immigration authorities from Minnesota. Pretti's parents have also demanded the truth about their son's death, denouncing the administration's statements.

Following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE agent during a Minneapolis protest against immigration enforcement in January 2026, public concern has grown regarding ICE's legal authority. Videos circulating online show ICE agents stopping, questioning, and detaining residents, raising questions about the limits of their power in public and private spaces. Legal experts are now clarifying the constitutional rights individuals have when approached by ICE, including protections against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. Federal law grants ICE the power to arrest and detain those suspected of immigration violations, but these actions are subject to constitutional limitations. The increased ICE activity and controversial incidents have sparked protests and confusion, prompting a need for clarity on the legal boundaries of ICE's actions.

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.

Following the fatal shooting of American citizen Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, there has been widespread outcry. The incident occurred on Saturday and marks the second such killing in the city in less than three weeks. Pretti's family released a statement condemning statements made by Donald Trump and his officials, calling them "sickening lies." Celebrities, including Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde, have also spoken out against the shooting at the Sundance Film Festival. Senator Bill Cassidy has called for a full federal and state investigation into the events, citing concerns about the credibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In Minneapolis, crowds gathered near the site where Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot during an altercation with federal agents on Saturday. The BBC reported on the protests, which included laying flowers, lighting candles, and chanting Pretti's name. Protesters voiced anger over the incident, which occurred less than three weeks after Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration agent in the same city. The gatherings took place in freezing temperatures. The BBC's Tom Bateman is reporting from Minneapolis on the situation.

Following the killing of Alex Pretti, a US citizen, in Minneapolis by federal agents, Barack and Michelle Obama issued a statement condemning the act. They described the killing as a "wake-up call" and an example of President Trump's "assault" on American values. The incident occurred in Minneapolis, where officers shot and killed the nurse. In response, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to use all available resources to protect New Yorkers from aggressive ICE operations. He defended New York's sanctuary-city policies, which limit cooperation with federal agencies seeking to deport undocumented immigrants, despite opposition from President Trump.