Minneapolis Federal Agent Killing Sparks Outrage Again

Federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have once again drawn national condemnation after federal agents shot and killed a resident, marking the second fatal shooting by federal immigration authorities in the city within a single month. Escalating concerns now center on excessive use of force, lack of transparency, and repeated barriers to independent investigations.

Human rights organizations warn that patterns of aggressive enforcement tactics are placing civilians at risk. Human Rights Watch reports that federal officials may have obstructed state investigators from accessing the scene, raising serious doubts about whether a full and impartial investigation can occur.

Fatal Shooting Of Alex Pretti

On January 24 at approximately 9 a.m., agents from US Border Patrol fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and United States citizen. Evidence reviewed indicates that Pretti was observing and filming agents near a senior center shortly before the encounter escalated.

Witness accounts and video footage show Pretti being pushed by an agent, sprayed directly in the face with a chemical irritant, and struck with a metal canister. Moments later, multiple agents forced him to the ground before gunfire erupted. Analysis reviewed by Human Rights Watch indicates that ten shots were fired during the incident.

Previous Killing Raises Pattern Concerns

This killing occurred only weeks after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis. Both incidents unfolded amid a noticeable increase in federal immigration agent activity across Minnesota, intensifying fear within communities and sparking protests against enforcement operations.

Advocacy groups argue that these repeated fatalities suggest a broader pattern of excessive force during immigration actions rather than isolated events.

Disputed Self-Defense Claims

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security claimed that agents acted in self-defense. However, analysis of video evidence and witness testimony reviewed by Human Rights Watch does not support claims that Pretti posed an immediate threat justifying lethal force under international human rights law.

Witnesses reported that Pretti was directing traffic and holding a camera, not a weapon, when agents ordered him to move back. Footage shows him staggering backward after being sprayed while surrounded by agents moments before shots were fired.

Accounts from witnesses indicate that medical aid was not immediately provided after the shooting. A pediatrician present at the scene stated that agents initially prevented them from checking Pretti’s condition. CPR was only allowed later, at which point no pulse could be detected before emergency responders arrived.

International standards require law enforcement to provide prompt medical assistance following use of force incidents. Delays in care further intensify concerns regarding operational conduct.

Investigation And Accountability Concerns

Oversight questions have deepened after Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported being blocked from the scene despite holding a signed search warrant. A federal judge later ordered DHS to preserve all evidence related to the killing, underscoring fears of evidence tampering or loss.

Previous accountability failures amplify concern. Following Renee Good’s death, state investigators dropped their case after the Federal Bureau of Investigation asserted jurisdiction. Subsequent announcements confirmed that the US Department of Justice would not pursue charges.

Calls For Congressional Oversight

Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups are urging full cooperation between federal agencies and state investigators, including disclosure of all video evidence and identification of officers involved. Pressure is mounting on United States Congress to exercise oversight authority and consider conditioning DHS funding on strict compliance with use-of-force safeguards.

Suspension of large-scale immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis has been recommended while investigations proceed, with advocates warning that continued unchecked operations risk further violence, discrimination, and violations of fundamental rights.