Minneapolis Man Fatally Shot by Border Patrol Agent During DHS Operation
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Alex J. Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent during a Department of Homeland Security operation on Saturday. Federal authorities confirmed that Pretti confronted officers and was armed at the time of the incident.
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation targeted Jose Huerta-Chuma, an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record including domestic assault and disorderly conduct. The enforcement action took place in south Minneapolis early Saturday morning.
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino provided an update in a news conference, explaining that the agents were conducting a lawful operation when Pretti allegedly confronted them in a threatening manner. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which identified Pretti as one of its members, confirmed his employment as a nurse and noted he had no prior criminal history.
“Our agents are trained by the best in federal law enforcement,” Bovino said, emphasizing that the officers acted in response to a perceived threat. DHS officials told Fox News that Pretti was armed during the encounter, which led to the use of lethal force.
The shooting has sparked protests in Minneapolis, with demonstrators demanding the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the state. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for ICE to leave Minnesota following the incident, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the region.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which oversees Border Patrol, is conducting an internal investigation into the shooting. Meanwhile, local authorities have coordinated with federal agencies to ensure transparency and accountability.
Pretti’s death has added to the national debate over immigration enforcement tactics and the role of federal agents operating in urban areas. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has faced criticism from activists and some lawmakers who argue that its presence in cities like Minneapolis exacerbates community tensions.
As the investigation continues, officials have urged calm and stressed the importance of due process. The DHS has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
For now, the community mourns the loss of a healthcare professional whose life ended in a tragic confrontation with federal law enforcement.
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