An anti-ICE activist who was shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Minneapolis has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old resident of the Whittier neighborhood. The shooting occurred on a Saturday, generating significant attention in both local and national media.
Incident Overview
According to reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that a loaded handgun and an additional magazine were recovered from the scene of the incident. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that Pretti legally possessed the firearm and was authorized to carry it at the time of the shooting.
Sequence of Events
Prior to the shooting, footage indicated that Pretti was following CBP agents and filming them. During the course of their operations, the agents attempted to arrest an anti-ICE activist when Pretti intervened. As tensions escalated, agents could be seen struggling with Pretti on the ground. In the moments leading up to the shooting, some agents shouted warnings that Pretti had a gun.
Officials from DHS later indicated that Pretti was reaching for his firearm during the confrontation. This, according to the department, prompted at least one agent to respond with gunfire in self-defense.
Details from Authorities
During a press briefing, CBP Commander Greg Bovino elaborated on the nature of the operation, stating that the agents were executing a targeted enforcement action against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. It was reported that Pretti approached the agents during this time, leading to the attempt to disarm him. The situation deteriorated as Pretti allegedly resisted, leading to the exchange of gunfire.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the location and provided medical assistance, but Pretti was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. DHS officials characterized Pretti’s intentions as potentially harmful, indicating concerns over far-left activists’ roles in interfering with federal law enforcement activities.
Background on Alex Pretti
Local news sources have reported that Alex Pretti worked as a licensed nurse and owned a home in south Minneapolis. At the time of his death, he reportedly had no serious criminal history. His involvement in anti-ICE protests was noted in various reports, which included video evidence showing his participation in both pre-incident activities and the escalation during the event itself.
The incident has sparked critical discussions regarding law enforcement’s relationship with activist groups, especially those opposed to immigration enforcement policies. The situation also highlights ongoing tensions within communities regarding immigration and public safety.
In a related incident earlier in January, Renee Nicole Good was shot while allegedly trying to accelerate towards an agent. She was also associated with an organization focused on monitoring ICE activities. This has prompted further scrutiny and investigation into such confrontations between activists and law enforcement.
The ramifications of this incident continue to unfold as further analyses and public discussions take place, emphasizing the complexities involved in law enforcement operations and community interactions.