A 37‑year‑old man is dead after federal agents opened fire on a Minneapolis street early Saturday morning in what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling a defensive shooting. Authorities say the deceased was an “illegal alien wanted for violent assault” and was armed with a 9mm handgun when approached by federal agents.
DHS reported that the man, identified locally as Alex Pretti, posed an imminent threat and intended to “massacre law enforcement,” prompting agents to fire. A DHS spokesperson described the shooting as defensive. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the man, whom he called an “American citizen,” died from the shooting.
Officials alleged the suspect was wanted on violent assault charges and was in possession of a firearm when engaged by federal officers. Trump advisor Stephen Miller characterized Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” who attempted to assassinate federal law enforcement.
Videos circulating online show a group of agents wrestling with a man on a city street before multiple shots are fired. At least ten shots can be heard in the footage. A photo later shared by authorities showed the 9mm handgun allegedly belonging to the man.
The incident took place amid heightened tensions between Minneapolis communities and federal agents deployed under a nationwide immigration enforcement operation. More than 2,000 federal agents are reportedly operating in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area as part of the crackdown, which DHS says has resulted in over 3,000 arrests since early December.
Protests erupted following the shooting, with crowds gathering at the scene and confronting federal officers. Some demonstrators yelled profanities, accusing agents of cowardice. Videos show border patrol agents present and authorities blocking off intersections near the site.
Gov. Tim Walz condemned the shooting, calling it “horrific” and urging federal authorities to end their operation in Minnesota. His statement echoed growing frustration among local leaders and activists over federal enforcement tactics.
The shooting follows another high-profile fatal encounter in Minneapolis earlier this month involving federal agents and the death of Renee Good, also 37. That incident sparked widespread protests across the state.
In the lead‑up to Saturday’s events, Minnesota witnessed significant demonstrations against increased immigration enforcement. On Friday, about 100 clergy members were arrested at the Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport during a protest against deportation flights. Several thousand others marched downtown in freezing temperatures to demand an end to the enforcement operation.
The arrests of faith leaders drew attention from labor unions, clergy, and progressive groups, all urging community resistance to federal immigration policies they view as overly aggressive and disruptive to local life.
