BREAKING 2nd Fatal ICE Shooting by Federal Agents in Minneapolis of a Protestor - Gov. Waltz Deploys National Guard - RIP Alex Pretti

Tension Escalates in Minneapolis After Second Fatal Shooting Involving Federal Agents

MINNEAPOLIS — For the second time in less than three weeks, a federal immigration enforcement action has turned deadly in Minneapolis, sparking clashes between community members and law enforcement.

On the morning of Jan. 24, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that a 37-year-old male nurse, named Alex Pretti, an American citizen, (with a registered holstered gun) was shot and killed by federal agents near East 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. 

A City on the Edge

The shooting occurred amid "Operation Metro Surge," a controversial U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative involving ICE agents. This incident follows the Jan. 7 death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was also killed during a federal enforcement action.

The atmosphere at the scene quickly turned volatile. As smoke rose from burning dumpsters, Chief O’Hara urged for calm while simultaneously criticizing the lack of transparency from federal partners.

“Our demand today is for those federal agencies operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands,” O’Hara stated.

Leadership Calls for Federal Withdrawal

Local and state leaders are placing the blame directly on the federal government’s current tactics:

• Mayor Jacob Frey: Called on President Trump to "remove these federal agents" and "achieve peace," noting that the city had seen peaceful protests of 15,000 people just the day prior.

• Governor Tim Walz: Confirmed he is in contact with the White House, asserting, "The President must end this operation."

• Emergency Management: Director Rachel Sayre highlighted the "profound repercussions" of the surge, noting that city resources are being drained to provide food, housing, and legal aid to families impacted by the federal activity.

Spiritual and Civil Response

The religious community has also weighed in, with Archbishop Bernard Hebda calling for "prudence and safety" and "healing for those wounded by the divisions that cleave our state."

While DHS has alleged that agents were approached by an armed individual, Chief O’Hara maintains that federal agencies have provided "very limited" information to local police. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to assist with the investigation.

Source: The Catholic Spirit