ICU Nurse Killed During Federal Immigration Raid Sparks Outrage in Minnesota

The killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis ignited swift outrage across Minnesota, drawing sharp reactions from political leaders and the public alike.

Governor Tim Walz condemned the raid in unusually strong terms, calling it a “campaign of organized brutality.” He announced that Minnesota would take control of the investigation into Pretti’s death, rejecting federal oversight and asserting the state’s authority in determining what happened.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed the governor’s concerns, criticizing the presence of heavily armed federal agents in the city. He described the operation as reckless and unnecessary, and publicly demanded that ICE withdraw from Minneapolis entirely.

President Donald Trump responded forcefully, defending the actions of federal agents and accusing state and city leaders of failing to maintain order. He claimed local officials were inflaming tensions and suggested they were deflecting attention from other issues.

As the political dispute intensified, Minneapolis residents took to the streets. Protests spread throughout the city, alongside candlelight vigils honoring Pretti’s life. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as questions mounted about the role of federal enforcement in local communities.

Amid the debate, Pretti’s family offered a deeply personal account of the man behind the headlines. They described him as a devoted ICU nurse who cared for veterans, cherished the outdoors, and was committed to protecting others and the environment.

According to his parents, Pretti was unarmed when he was shot. They say he was holding only his phone and attempting to shield a woman who had been pushed by officers. Federal authorities, however, claimed he approached agents with a handgun—a statement that has been challenged by bystander video showing no visible weapon.

Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record, was pronounced dead at the scene. His death left family members, coworkers, and the broader community in shock.

As investigations continue, the killing of Alex Pretti has become a flashpoint in the national conversation over immigration enforcement, federal power, police accountability, and the human cost of aggressive tactics.