Tragic End for Dedicated VA Nurse: Alex Pretti Killed in CBP Shooting Amid Immigration Crackdown

In a chilling incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for accountability, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was fatally shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on January 24, 2026. The shooting occurred during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, part of the broader “Operation Metro Surge” targeting urban areas under the second Trump administration. Pretti, remembered by colleagues and family as a compassionate caregiver who dedicated his life to serving veterans, died from multiple gunshot wounds, with his death officially ruled a homicide by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The events unfolded on a snowy afternoon in the Lyndale neighborhood, where Pretti lived. Bystander videos captured Pretti filming CBP agents as they apprehended individuals suspected of immigration violations. According to witnesses and footage reviewed by investigators, Pretti intervened when agents tackled a woman to the ground and deployed pepper spray. He reportedly shouted for them to stop and attempted to assist her, prompting agents to perceive him as a threat. ProPublica identified the involved agents as Raymundo Gutierrez and Jesus Ochoa, who fired multiple rounds at Pretti. Initial federal statements claimed Pretti was armed and posed an imminent danger, citing his legally owned firearm found at the scene. However, preliminary reviews of videos suggest he did not draw the weapon, fueling debates over excessive use of force.

This was not Pretti’s first encounter with federal officers. Unearthed videos from January 13, 2026, show him in a scuffle during a protest against the immigration crackdown. In the footage, Pretti kicked out the tail light of a CBP vehicle before being tackled and restrained by agents. No charges were filed from that incident, but it has raised questions about whether Pretti was targeted. His family attorney, Steve Schleicher, stated, “A week before Alex was gunned down – despite posing no threat to anyone – he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents.” The U.S. Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into the shooting, amid growing scrutiny of federal tactics in non-border cities.

Pretti’s background paints a picture of a man committed to healing. Born in 1988, he initially worked as a research scientist before pursuing nursing, qualifying as a registered nurse and joining the VA hospital’s ICU team. Colleagues described him as empathetic, often holding patients’ hands during crises, offering reassurance, and ensuring dignified care for the deceased. One veteran patient told reporters, “He treated me like I was his only patient.” His sister, Micayla Pretti, shared with the Associated Press that he “touched more lives than he probably ever realised.” Nursing organizations, including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), expressed deep sorrow, noting the increasing violence faced by healthcare workers.

In the wake of his death, vigils erupted across VA facilities nationwide. At the Minneapolis VA, staff lined the halls for a moment of silence, honoring Pretti’s sendoff. Poet Amanda Gorman penned a tribute, “For Alex Jeffrey Pretti,” lamenting his loss at the hands of ICE agents and calling for justice. Memorials featured candles, flowers, and signs proclaiming him a hero who fought for the vulnerable. Pretti’s family has vehemently denounced online smears alleging workplace misconduct, labeling them “sickening lies” propagated amid the controversy. These false claims, debunked by fact-checkers, originated from dubious sources and have been amplified on social media, highlighting the perils of misinformation during tragedies.

The incident has reignited national debates on immigration enforcement and police accountability. Senators like Amy Klobuchar have called for transparency, confirming Pretti’s clean record at the VA. Protests in Minneapolis continue, with activists demanding the withdrawal of federal agents from urban areas. As investigations proceed, Pretti’s legacy endures as a symbol of compassion in a divided nation. His death, occurring just weeks after another fatal CBP shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, underscores concerns over escalating tactics.

Pretti’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost behind policy enforcement. Friends recall his advocacy for community issues, including immigrant rights, which may have drawn him to the scene that fateful day. As one coworker reflected at a vigil, “Alex lived to help others – in the hospital and on the streets.” The Minneapolis community, still healing from past unrest, now mourns a local hero whose final act was one of aid.