Veteran-Caring Nurse Fatally Shot by Immigration Agents in Minneapolis Amid Rising Tensions
A Minneapolis ICU nurse dedicated to caring for American veterans was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during an enforcement operation, his family and colleagues said, describing him as a compassionate individual committed to helping others.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Illinois, worked as an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, where he provided critical care to seriously ill veterans. His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti of Colorado, portrayed him as a “kindhearted soul” who deeply valued his family, friends, and the veterans he served. They stated that Pretti aimed to make a positive impact in the world, though he would no longer have the chance to witness it.
A colleague, Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, echoed this sentiment, calling Pretti a “good, kind person who lived to help.” According to reports cited by CNN, Pretti conducted research on preventing colon cancer deaths among veterans.
The incident occurred on Saturday during an immigration operation when agents attempted to disarm Pretti after wrestling him to the ground. The Department of Homeland Security stated that officers fired in self-defense after Pretti “violently resisted” their efforts to take his licensed handgun. Local police confirmed the firearm was legally permitted and that Pretti had no outstanding criminal charges.
Pretti’s family strongly disputed the official account, rejecting claims that he posed a threat and labeling them “sickening lies” that were “reprehensible and disgusting.” They asserted he was a “good man” who may have been trying to protect a woman in the vicinity of the agents.
The shooting marked the second fatal incident involving immigration agents in Minneapolis this month, following the earlier death of a woman during enforcement actions. Pretti’s parents noted that he had begun joining protests against the immigration crackdown after that initial killing. In recent conversations, they had urged him to exercise caution while demonstrating.
His father told the Associated Press that Pretti cared profoundly about people and was deeply troubled by the immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis and across the U.S., a sentiment shared by many others.