Executed by an Out-of-Control Gestapo Force: Trump Needs to Halt Enforcement Operations Before This Turns Deadly – Violations of Constitutional Rights Abound in Minneapolis Shooting of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti
By Crime Vault Magazine Staff
January 24, 2026 – Minneapolis, MN
In a chilling incident that has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Minneapolis, 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally shot by federal Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement operation. Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record and a legal permit to carry a firearm, was described by furious friends and family as a “good, kind” man who was essentially “executed” in broad daylight. This tragedy, the second fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal agents in the city this month, raises serious questions about overreach, constitutional violations, and the need for President Trump to intervene and halt these aggressive operations before more lives are lost.
The Incident: A Routine Day Turns Deadly
The shooting occurred on the morning of January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis’s Whittier neighborhood, amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown. According to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Border Patrol agents were attempting to detain an Ecuadorian man when Pretti approached them with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. DHS claims Pretti “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him, leading to the use of force.
However, multiple videos circulating online show a different story: agents pepper-spraying Pretti, pinning him to the ground, and then firing shots. In one widely shared clip, agents can be heard asking, “Where’s the gun?” after the shooting, suggesting Pretti may have already been disarmed. Another angle appears to confirm that Pretti never drew his weapon on the agents. Witnesses and local officials, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have disputed the federal narrative, criticizing the rush to judgment and calling for a transparent investigation.
Pretti, who worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was known for his dedication to helping others. Colleagues described him as a “force of good in the world,” passionate about his patients and activities like mountain biking. His father, Michael Pretti, had warned him about the dangers in the city, but no one could have anticipated this encounter with federal forces.
Outrage and Calls for Accountability
Furious friends and community members have labeled the shooting an “execution,” pointing to the excessive force used against a law-abiding citizen exercising his Second Amendment rights. Pretti’s legal open carry of a firearm – protected under Minnesota law – has fueled arguments that this incident violates constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, as well as the right to bear arms. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus issued a statement expressing deep concern, emphasizing that “every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms” and calling for a full investigation.
Protests erupted near the scene, with demonstrators decrying the agents’ actions as those of an “out-of-control Gestapo force.” In response, Gov. Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to patrol the area and maintain order amid escalating tensions. Reports from the protests include chaotic scenes, such as an anti-ICE rioter allegedly biting a Homeland Security officer’s finger.
High-profile figures have weighed in, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blasting the administration and DHS for labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist” to justify the force used. On X, users expressed raw anger, with one post stating, “FUCK KRISTI NOEM, FUCK MAGA, FUCK TRUMP,” reflecting deep divisions over the enforcement tactics.
Broader Implications: A Call for Halt to Operations
This shooting highlights broader concerns about federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, often conducted by agencies like ICE and Border Patrol (not to be confused with the Bureau of Prisons, or BOP, though critics argue the aggressive tactics blur lines between domestic policing and militarized operations). Local leaders argue these operations infringe on states’ rights and endanger citizens, with violations including excessive force and disregard for due process.
As the Department of Justice investigates, many are urging President Trump to pause these enforcement actions nationwide to prevent further deadly confrontations. With videos contradicting official accounts and protests intensifying, the risk of escalation is real. Pretti’s death is not just a tragedy – it’s a stark warning about the human cost of unchecked power.
Crime Vault Magazine will continue to monitor developments in this case. If you have tips or eyewitness accounts, contact us at tips@crimevaultmag.com
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