The individual fatally shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis was neither a criminal nor did he have a criminal record. He was an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse working for the Veterans Administration, and, according to his family, he was profoundly troubled by President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in his city.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was a U.S. citizen born in Illinois. He had recently participated in protests against the presence of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. His parents assert that he was driven by a genuine concern for others and the situation unfolding across the nation.
"He cared deeply about people and was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and across the United States with ICE, just like millions more," stated his father, Michael Pretti, in comments reported by the Associated Press. "He felt that protesting was a way to express his concern for others."
Pretti was employed as an ICU nurse in the Veterans system and had a passion for outdoor activities. He enjoyed hiking and adventures with his dog Joule, a Catahoula leopard dog who had recently passed, a loss that those close to him say affected him deeply.
The shooting incident took place a day after tens of thousands marched through downtown Minneapolis to protest ICE's presence in the city.
Earlier this month, Pretti had also taken part in demonstrations following the death of Renee Good, who was shot while driving her truck, allegedly by an ICE agent.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Pretti was shot after approaching Border Patrol agents with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. However, authorities have not clarified whether he brandished the weapon, which is not visible in the shooting video verified by CBS News and other outlets.
His family acknowledged that Pretti legally owned a firearm and had a permit to carry it concealed in Minnesota, but they claimed they had never seen him carry it. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed he was a legal gun owner with a valid license.
Court records show Pretti had no criminal record or history of conflicts with law enforcement, aside from some traffic fines. His parents, residing in Wisconsin, had spoken with him weeks prior, urging caution during protests.
"We had this conversation with him about two weeks ago, about protesting but not getting involved, not doing anything foolish," his father recalled. "And he said he understood."
The family learned of Alex's death in the most brutal way: through a call from an Associated Press reporter. After watching the shooting video, they recognized their son and attempted to reach authorities, with no immediate success.
"I can't get information from anyone," Michael Pretti said. "The police say to call Border Patrol, but Border Patrol is closed. Hospitals aren't answering any questions."
Ultimately, it was the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office that confirmed the body was Alex's.
The case has reignited outrage and fear amid the increasing militarization of immigration operations in the United States, a climate affecting not only migrants but also citizens who dare to protest. For many Cubans inside and outside the island, Alex Pretti's story resonates as a painful warning of how far repression can go when protest intersects with immigration policy.
Understanding the Impact of Immigration Policies in the U.S.
What was Alex Pretti's profession?
Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse working for the Veterans Administration.
Why was Alex Pretti protesting in Minneapolis?
Alex Pretti was protesting against the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, driven by his concern about immigration policies and their impact on people.
Did Alex Pretti have a criminal record?
No, Alex Pretti had no criminal record or history of conflicts with law enforcement, aside from some traffic fines.