On Saturday morning, federal agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis, marking the second fatal incident associated with immigration enforcement in the city this month. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, was a U.S. citizen and nurse. Video footage has surfaced showing a scuffle between Pretti and Border Patrol agents prior to the shooting, which authorities say occurred in self-defense after Pretti allegedly held a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him.

Eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti's family have disputed this narrative, asserting that he only had his phone. His parents have called the claims by federal officials “sickening lies” and are demanding the truth about their son's character and the circumstances of his death.

The shooting happened during a "targeted" immigration operation at approximately 9:05 a.m. local time. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino described Pretti as approaching agents with what appeared to be a gun, but video evidence suggests he was merely filming them in the midst of the chaos, with moments showing him attempting to protect bystanders from aggressive agent actions.

Following the incident, the Department of Homeland Security shared an image of a firearm, claiming it belonged to Pretti, who, according to the agents, had been prepared to inflict harm. However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara indicated that Pretti was known to be a lawful gun owner with no significant prior criminal history besides traffic violations. As protests grow to hold federal agencies accountable, Pretti's family continues to plead for justice and clarity surrounding this tragic event.