Who Was Alex Pretti? 5 Key Facts About the ICU Nurse Killed by Federal Agents in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, became a national figure after his fatal shooting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on January 24, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation in the city.

The incident, captured on bystander video and widely shared, sparked outrage, protests and a Department of Justice civil rights investigation. Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record, was recording federal agents when the confrontation escalated, leading to his death from multiple gunshot wounds. The event unfolded amid heightened federal immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration, which had deployed agents to Minneapolis and other cities.

Pretti's death — ruled a homicide by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner — drew comparisons to other high-profile cases and prompted apologies from officials, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who regretted early comments labeling Pretti a "deranged individual." As investigations continue, here are five essential facts about the man whose life and death have fueled national debate on federal tactics, policing and civil liberties.

1. Pretti was a dedicated ICU nurse caring for veterans

Pretti worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he was known for his compassion and commitment to patients. Licensed in Minnesota since 2021, he focused on critically ill veterans, often forming deep bonds with those he treated.

Colleagues described him as kind-hearted, humorous and passionate about his work. "He wanted to be helpful, to help humanity and have a career that was a force of good in the world," one coworker told reporters. His family emphasized his devotion to service, noting he "cared deeply for the American veterans whom he cared for." Pretti's nursing license was active until March 31, 2026, and he had previously contributed to medical research at the University of Minnesota on topics including infection treatment and cancer therapies.

2. He grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with a well-rounded youth

Born in 1988 in Park Ridge, Illinois, Pretti spent much of his childhood in Green Bay, Wisconsin, graduating from Preble High School in 2006. He was active in sports — playing football, baseball and running track — and participated in the Green Bay Boy Choir, Boy Scouts and theater programs, including musicals with the Preble Players.

Friends recalled him as quick to smile, someone who made others feel included. A childhood choir friend described hearing Pretti sing from his open bedroom window, highlighting his vocal talent. After high school, he attended the University of Minnesota, earning a bachelor's degree in biology, society and the environment in 2011. He worked as a research scientist before pursuing nursing.

3. Pretti was an avid outdoorsman and animal lover

Outside work, Pretti enjoyed adventure and nature, often hiking, mountain biking and exploring with his Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, who had recently passed away. Family members described him as someone who sought outdoor experiences to recharge.

His lifestyle reflected a grounded, community-oriented personality, with no prior law enforcement interactions beyond minor traffic tickets. He lived in Minneapolis' Lyndale neighborhood, known for its diversity, and had begun documenting federal immigration activities in the area out of concern for community impact.

4. His death occurred during a protest against federal immigration enforcement

Pretti had recently started observing and recording federal agents amid operations that disrupted neighborhoods, closed schools and led to the January 7 death of Renee Good, another U.S. citizen killed by agents. On January 24, he was filming near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue when agents attempted an arrest unrelated to him.

Bystander videos show Pretti directing traffic, helping a fallen bystander and being sprayed with a chemical agent before being tackled. Agents confiscated his legally permitted, secured handgun, and multiple shots were fired — up to 10 in seconds, per forensic analysis. DHS initially labeled him a threat, but videos contradicted early narratives, sparking backlash.

5. Pretti's killing sparked investigations, protests and political fallout

The incident triggered a DOJ civil rights probe into the shooting, separate from the Good case. Protests erupted nationwide under "ICE Out of Everywhere" banners, with mourners gathering at the site. Pretti's family urged truth-seeking, calling him "a good man" who cared about people.

Sen. Mullin apologized for premature remarks during a March 18 confirmation hearing, saying he "went out there too fast." The case became a tipping point in debates over federal tactics in sanctuary cities, galvanizing opposition and prompting administration retreats in some enforcement areas.

Pretti's legacy endures through tributes highlighting his service, kindness and final act of standing up for others. As inquiries proceed, his story continues shaping discussions on accountability, immigration policy and the human cost of enforcement.