Federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old ICU nurse during an immigration raid in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. The nurse, who worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, was known for being a caring and helpful member of her community. She was born in Illinois, was a U.S. citizen, and had no criminal record except for minor traffic violations.
A 37-year-old ICU nurse was tragically shot and killed by federal agents during an immigration raid in Minneapolis.
The nurse was an active participant in protests against immigration enforcement policies. She had previously taken part in demonstrations related to the George Floyd protests in 2020. Friends and neighbors described her as warm-hearted, while her ex-spouse stated she was vocally active at protests but never confrontational.
On the day of the incident, a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot her after claiming she approached them with a semiautomatic handgun and “violently resisted” attempts to disarm her. However, a bystander video shared with the Associated Press does not show a gun at the time of the shooting. Local officials have disputed the Department of Homeland Security’s characterization of events, raising questions about the official narrative. This incident is particularly concerning as it marks the second fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis within the same month.
Family members have expressed frustration over the lack of information provided by police and federal agents following the shooting. They learned about the incident through news reports, which added to their distress. The nurse’s father mentioned they had urged her to be cautious during protests in the weeks before her death. Alex Pretti was known for caring deeply about social and environmental issues, which further exemplified her commitment to activism.
Despite her concealed carry permit, her ex-spouse noted she didn’t carry a firearm during their relationship, as it made her uncomfortable.
The community stands in shock, as this was the second fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis within the same month. The incident has sparked further debate over law enforcement’s approach to immigration enforcement and the safety of citizens engaged in activism.
