Two Federal Officers Fired During Encounter That Killed Alex Pretti, DHS Tells Congress

WASHINGTON (JN) – Federal authorities have confirmed that two U.S. immigration enforcement officers discharged their weapons during a confrontation in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, according to a notification sent to Congress this week.

The disclosure comes as the Trump administration faces mounting scrutiny over its immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota, where Pretti’s killing has intensified protests, prompted diplomatic complaints, and triggered court challenges related to recent federal operations.

The episode has also drawn international attention after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were accused of attempting to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without authorization, an act Ecuador’s government says violated international norms.

Federal notification outlines shooting details

According to the notice obtained by The Associated Press, officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection attempted to take Pretti into custody when he resisted, leading to a physical struggle. During the encounter, a U.S. Border Patrol agent repeatedly shouted, “He’s got a gun,” the notification said.

A Border Patrol agent and a separate CBP officer each fired Glock pistols during the confrontation. The document did not specify how many rounds were fired or whether Pretti was armed at the time he was shot.

The incident was reviewed by investigators from CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, who analyzed body-worn camera footage and agency records. Federal law requires the Department of Homeland Security to notify relevant congressional committees within 72 hours of any death occurring in CBP custody.

Pretti’s death marked the second fatal shooting involving immigration enforcement officers this month, according to the notification.

White House shifts leadership of Minnesota enforcement

The congressional notice was sent one day after President Donald Trump directed longtime immigration official Tom Homan to assume control of the administration’s enforcement operations in Minnesota.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ Will Cain Show, Trump said sending Homan was intended to “de-escalate a little bit,” comments that contrasted with earlier statements from White House officials who declined to characterize the move as a calming measure.

Trump said Homan, whom he described as “tough,” has experience working with Democratic governors and mayors. As he departed the White House on Tuesday, the president said a “big investigation” was underway into Pretti’s killing, declining to address whether the shooting was justified.

In the hours following the shooting, some administration officials publicly attributed blame to Pretti, though videos circulating online later raised questions about whether he posed an immediate threat.

Minnesota leaders call for impartial investigations

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office said Tuesday that the Democratic governor met with Homan and emphasized the need for impartial investigations into shootings involving federal officers. Both sides agreed to maintain ongoing discussions.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara also met with Homan, describing the conversation as productive. Frey said city leaders would continue engaging with federal officials as enforcement activity continues in the region.

Homan later wrote on social media that the talks were a “productive starting point,” adding that state, local, and federal officials agreed on the need to support law enforcement while addressing criminal activity.

The White House had previously accused Democratic leaders of fueling protests against immigration raids. Following Pretti’s death and growing public backlash, enforcement oversight in Minnesota was shifted from Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino to Homan.

Trump questions prior enforcement leadership

Trump publicly defended Bovino’s record while suggesting the approach may not have been well suited for Minnesota.

“He’s very good,” Trump said, before adding that Bovino is “a pretty out-there kind of a guy” and that “maybe it wasn’t good here.”

Journalists observing immigration enforcement across Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs on Tuesday reported activity levels similar to recent weeks, with most encounters not escalating into major confrontations. Activist groups said they continue monitoring enforcement operations through social media and messaging platforms.

Ecuador protests attempted consulate entry

Separately, Ecuador’s foreign ministry filed a formal protest with the U.S. Embassy after ICE agents attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without permission on Tuesday.

Video posted online shows a consulate staff member rushing to block the entrance, telling agents they were not authorized to enter the diplomatic facility. An ICE officer can be heard threatening to “grab” the staffer if he made contact, before ultimately leaving.

Under international law, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, law enforcement authorities are generally prohibited from entering consular premises without consent, except in rare emergencies such as fires or imminent threats to life.

Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said consulate officials activated emergency protocols and prevented the entry to protect Ecuadorian nationals inside the building. The ministry said it filed a diplomatic note to prevent similar incidents at other consulates.

The U.S. State Department, DHS, and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Federal courts intervene in Minnesota cases

Legal challenges tied to the enforcement surge have continued to move through federal courts.

In Texas, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a temporary order blocking the removal or transfer of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias. The pair were detained last week in Minnesota, a case that drew widespread attention and criticism.

In a separate matter, immigration authorities released an Ecuadorian man identified in court records as “Juan T.R.,” after Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz of Minnesota ordered ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, to personally appear in court.

Schiltz had warned he would cancel the appearance if the detainee was released. The man was freed in Texas, according to his attorney, who said the notification came from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis.

Judge criticizes ICE handling of cases

In a sharply worded order, Schiltz criticized the administration’s handling of immigration detentions in Minnesota, citing what he described as repeated violations of court orders.

“This Court has been extremely patient,” Schiltz wrote, adding that ICE deployed thousands of agents without adequately preparing for the resulting legal challenges. He acknowledged that ordering the head of a federal agency to appear personally was extraordinary but said lesser measures had failed.

The order followed a federal hearing on a request by Minnesota and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul to halt the enforcement surge. The presiding judge said she would prioritize a ruling but did not provide a timeline.