Republican Lawmakers Escalate Criticism of Federal Handling in Alex Pretti Shooting Amid Minnesota ICE Raids
Minneapolis, MN – Growing divisions within the Republican Party have emerged over the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, by U.S. Border Patrol agents during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, as congressional GOP voices question the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics.[1]
On January 24, 2026, at approximately 9:05 a.m. CST, Pretti was shot multiple times at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood, amid protests against a federal immigration crackdown.[1] The incident followed the January 7 killing of Renée Good by federal officers, heightening tensions in the area.[1]
Detailed Timeline Reveals Chaotic Encounter
A minute-by-minute analysis of verified videos shows the rapid escalation. At 8:58 a.m., Pretti was holding his phone, seemingly recording a nearby detention by immigration authorities.[2] By 9:00 a.m., interactions intensified as civilians engaged with agents, with officers warning about traffic and pushing bystanders.[2]
Forensic audio analysis by Montana State University professor Robert Maher confirmed 10 shots fired in less than five seconds.[2] Witnesses reported agents attempting to enter a donut shop but being refused entry, with Pretti observing from across the street and directing traffic.[1] Post-shooting, an officer recovered a firearm from the scene at 9:02 a.m., shouting, “I got the gun.”[2]
Pretti, an ICU nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, sustained at least three bullet wounds in his back, one in his upper chest, and possibly his neck, according to a treating doctor’s affidavit.[2] Minnesota officials confirmed he held a lawful permit to carry the firearm recovered at the scene.[1]
Conflicting Narratives from Federal and State Officials
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Pretti was armed with two magazines, no ID, and intended to “massacre law enforcement.”[1] Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino defended the shooter, a eight-year veteran with range safety training, noting two officers fired the shots.[1] As of January 25, all agents remained on administrative duty but on the job.[1]
Body camera footage exists from multiple angles, confirming the deadly shots, according to DHS officials speaking exclusively to NBC News.[3] The Trump administration has shifted strategy in Minneapolis, amid ongoing investigations and court hearings related to the ICE operations.[3]
GOP Criticism Mounts in Congress
Congressional Republicans, traditionally supportive of stringent immigration measures, are voicing unprecedented concerns. Criticism centers on the use of Border Patrol in domestic urban operations and the volatility of the encounter, with some lawmakers demanding transparency on the body cam footage and an independent review.[4]
Local and state leaders, including those speaking at a January 26 press conference, updated on the shooting, calling for accountability.[4] GOP figures have highlighted Pretti’s veteran status and lawful gun permit, questioning whether the response was proportionate amid a “very volatile situation.”[3]
Broader Context of Immigration Crackdown
The shooting occurred during widespread protests against federal immigration raids in Minnesota, part of a larger Trump administration push.[1] NBC reports indicate strategic adjustments in response to the backlash, with DHS emphasizing officer safety.[3]
Minnesota officials clash with federal claims, insisting Pretti posed no imminent threat. The lack of immediate disciplinary action against agents has fueled bipartisan calls for released footage and federal oversight.[1][2]
Public and Political Fallout
Protests continue in Minneapolis, with community leaders mourning Pretti as a dedicated VA nurse. Political analysts note this as a rare fracture in GOP unity on border security, potentially influencing upcoming immigration policy debates.[3]
The investigation proceeds, with ABC News’ timeline underscoring the compressed timeframe of events.[2] Lawmakers from both parties urge swift release of body cam evidence to clarify discrepancies in accounts.[3][4]
As tensions simmer, the Pretti shooting underscores deepening national divides over federal enforcement powers in sanctuary-like urban areas. Updates from ongoing probes are expected soon.