In a troubling series of events leading up to his death, Alex Pretti was captured in videos forcibly taken to the ground by federal immigration agents on January 13, 2026, during a protest in Minneapolis. Pretti reacted aggressively by kicking the tail light of their vehicle, resulting in a physical altercation where he was momentarily restrained before escaping the grip of the officers. Notably, a handgun was visible in his waistband, though there is no evidence from the recordings that he attempted to reach for it at any point during the scuffle.
The video evidence has sparked renewed discussion regarding the unjustified nature of his subsequent fatal shooting on January 24, an event that occurred shortly after he filmed ICE agents during an operation. His attorney, Steve Schleicher, argues that while Pretti’s actions may not have been appropriate, they did not equate to a deadly threat that would justify the use of lethal force against him.
The shooting incident unfolded on the sidewalk adjacent to the location where officers confronted him. Footage taken by witnesses shows Federal officers asserting that Pretti posed a danger because he possessed a weapon, which he was legally allowed to carry. However, multiple perspectives on the videos indicate that Pretti was holding his phone when he was shot.
In subsequent commentary, Donald Trump Jr. weighed in by labeling Pretti's aggressive actions during the altercation as those of a 'peaceful legal observer.' As investigations continue regarding the events surrounding Pretti's death, Homeland Security Investigations have initiated a review of the new footage. This case exemplifies the contentious divide surrounding immigration enforcement practices and their implications for civil rights.
The video evidence has sparked renewed discussion regarding the unjustified nature of his subsequent fatal shooting on January 24, an event that occurred shortly after he filmed ICE agents during an operation. His attorney, Steve Schleicher, argues that while Pretti’s actions may not have been appropriate, they did not equate to a deadly threat that would justify the use of lethal force against him.
The shooting incident unfolded on the sidewalk adjacent to the location where officers confronted him. Footage taken by witnesses shows Federal officers asserting that Pretti posed a danger because he possessed a weapon, which he was legally allowed to carry. However, multiple perspectives on the videos indicate that Pretti was holding his phone when he was shot.
In subsequent commentary, Donald Trump Jr. weighed in by labeling Pretti's aggressive actions during the altercation as those of a 'peaceful legal observer.' As investigations continue regarding the events surrounding Pretti's death, Homeland Security Investigations have initiated a review of the new footage. This case exemplifies the contentious divide surrounding immigration enforcement practices and their implications for civil rights.
