A Department of Homeland Security report released this week has detailed the initial findings surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minnesota nurse who was killed during protests against federal immigration enforcement operations over the weekend. The document summarizes the preliminary conclusions of an internal investigation conducted by Customs and Border Protection following the confrontation that led to Pretti’s death.
According to the report, federal officers attempted to take Pretti into custody amid unrest linked to demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in the state. Investigators said Pretti resisted efforts by officers, resulting in a physical struggle. During the encounter, one Border Patrol agent repeatedly shouted warnings that Pretti was believed to be armed, escalating the tension of the situation within seconds.
The report states that approximately five seconds after the warnings were issued, two officers discharged their service weapons. One Border Patrol agent fired a CBP-issued Glock 19, while a Customs and Border Protection officer fired a CBP-issued Glock 47. Pretti sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Federal authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that the findings released so far reflect only an initial review of the incident. Officials said additional evidence, including body camera footage and witness statements, is expected to be examined as part of a broader inquiry into the use of force and the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The killing of the 37-year-old nurse has sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of federal immigration operations in Minnesota. Demonstrations against ICE have continued in several cities, with protesters calling for accountability and transparency from federal agencies involved in the response. Civil rights advocates have questioned whether the situation could have been handled differently and have urged a thorough, independent review of the officers’ actions.
President Donald Trump addressed the incident during remarks to reporters outside the White House, confirming that the Secretary of Homeland Security would remain in her position amid calls for resignations. Trump also responded to controversial comments made by senior administration officials about Pretti, saying he did not agree with characterizations that portrayed the nurse as an assailant. He added that firearms cannot be brought into confrontational situations, describing the episode as a tragic and deeply unfortunate event.
Trump said he is personally overseeing the federal investigation and pledged that the process would be conducted with integrity. He expressed sympathy for Pretti’s family and acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on the community. The president described the situation as very sad while emphasizing the need for law enforcement officers to operate within established rules of engagement.
In separate remarks, Trump said his administration intends to de-escalate tensions in Minnesota following widespread criticism of ICE deployments and the resulting violence. He defended the immigration operations, stating that federal agents had removed thousands of individuals described as dangerous criminals from the state. At the same time, he said senior officials had been sent to Minnesota to coordinate with state and local leaders in an effort to reduce unrest.
As investigations continue, the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti remains a focal point in the broader debate over immigration enforcement, public safety, and the use of force by federal officers. Authorities have said more information will be released as the review progresses, while community members and officials alike await clarity on how the encounter unfolded and whether any policy changes will follow.
