Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw federal immigration agents from the state following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident during an enforcement operation.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026, when a federal agent shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement action in the south side of Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed that Pretti died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting marked the second fatal encounter involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month. On January 7, another federal officer shot and killed a woman, Renee Good, during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation.
Reacting to the latest incident, Governor Walz criticised the continued presence of federal agents in Minnesota, describing the operation as dangerous and calling for their immediate withdrawal. He said the situation had escalated beyond immigration enforcement and now posed a threat to public safety.
Walz stated that Minnesota authorities would lead the investigation into Pretti’s death, insisting on an independent state-led inquiry. He further accused federal agencies of excessive use of force and warned that continued deployment could result in further loss of life.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, defended the actions of its personnel, claiming that the Border Patrol agent involved fired in self-defence after a man carrying a handgun allegedly resisted attempts to disarm him. Federal officials said the agent is an eight-year veteran of the Border Patrol.
President Trump responded on social media, criticising Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. He questioned why local police were not involved in the operation and accused state officials of encouraging unrest through their public statements.
However, videos recorded by bystanders and circulating online appear to contradict the federal account. The footage shows Pretti filming federal agents with his mobile phone as pepper spray is deployed. Moments later, officers are seen restraining him on the ground before shots are fired. Open-source investigation group Bellingcat said available footage suggests that a firearm was removed from Pretti before the first shot was fired.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that investigators believe Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, noting that Minnesota law allows open carry with the appropriate authorisation.
In a statement released after the incident, Pretti’s family expressed grief and anger, rejecting claims that he posed a threat to officers. They described him as a compassionate individual dedicated to helping others through his work as a nurse.
The killing has intensified protests in Minneapolis and renewed debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics, as tensions continue to rise between state and federal authorities over the use of armed agents in local communities.
