MINNEAPOLIS (Echosphere) — Family members of the man shot by federal officers in Minneapolis over the weekend described him as an intensive care nurse and environmental advocate who actively cared for his community, especially in the wake of heightened immigration enforcement. Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was known for his adventurous spirit and love for nature, often exploring the outdoors with his recently deceased dog, Joule.
“He had a huge heart and was deeply troubled by the immigration policies that have devastated lives in our city,” said his father, Michael Pretti. Alex participated in protests calling for justice after the recent killing of a local activist by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. “His protests were an expression of his concern for those affected by these policies,” his father added, emphasizing the shared discontent felt nationwide.
Pretti, originally from Illinois, had no criminal background and was a model citizen with only minor interactions with law enforcement. His parents had warned him to remain cautious during protests two weeks prior to the incident.
“We reminded him to stay safe—protest, but don’t engage in anything risky,” Michael shared. Alex assured them he understood.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti was shot after allegedly approaching U.S. Border Patrol officers while armed with a 9 mm handgun. However, details of the incident remain unclear, particularly whether he brandished the weapon during the encounter. Witness accounts and videos of the shooting do not conclusively show him carrying the gun.
The family learned of Alex's death through media coverage and struggled to obtain information from police and border authorities. After a harrowing search, they confirmed the tragic news through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
In the wake of his death, advocates and community members are compelled to confront the escalating climate of fear and repression surrounding immigration enforcement actions in the U.S., calling for comprehensive change that reflects compassion and social justice.
