Hailey
ICE Agent Shooting: The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, in Minneapolis has sparked national attention and serious questions about how federal investigations are handled. What makes this case unusual is not only the tragic loss of life, but also who is leading the investigation.
Instead of the FBI taking the main role, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit is in charge.
This decision has surprised many current and former law enforcement officials. They say it breaks from long-standing practice and raises concerns about transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Here is a clear and simple breakdown of what happened, who is investigating, and why the case matters.
What Happened to Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti was an intensive care nurse working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. On Saturday morning around 9 a.m., he was shot and killed during an encounter with federal agents in south Minneapolis.
According to officials, the shooting involved an ICE agent. The incident immediately triggered a federal investigation due to the involvement of government officers and the loss of civilian life.
Who Is Leading the Investigation?
The investigation is being led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a branch of ICE. The FBI is assisting, but it is not in charge.
At the same time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has started an internal review through its Office of Professional Responsibility, which is a standard internal process.
This structure is unusual.
Why this matters:
- HSI usually investigates international crimes, not police shootings
- It is part of the same department (DHS) as the agents involved
- Past cases were often handled by outside agencies
Why Experts Are Raising Concerns
Former federal officials say that HSI is not designed to handle officer-involved shooting cases. These investigations require special skills and tools, such as:
- Ballistics testing
- Forensic evidence collection
- Firearm analysis
- Video review
- Witness interviews
Experts argue that these tasks are usually handled by independent agencies to avoid conflicts of interest.
One former senior official described the situation as “highly irregular”, saying it makes little sense for a department to investigate its own officers in a deadly case.
What Evidence Are Investigators Reviewing?
Officials say investigators are focusing on scientific and physical evidence, including:
| Evidence Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DNA & fingerprints | Identify physical contact |
| Bullet count | Determine number of shots fired |
| Firearm analysis | Match weapon and bullets |
| Video footage | Review actions before shooting |
| Witness statements | Confirm timelines and behavior |
Despite this, many observers say independence is more important than evidence alone.
Conflicting Accounts and Video Evidence
Federal officials claim Alex Pretti approached officers with a handgun and acted violently. They say the agent fired in self-defense.
However, bystander videos tell a different story.
What videos and witnesses show:
- Pretti was holding a phone, not a gun
- His other hand was empty
- An agent appears to take a gun during the scuffle
- The first shot occurs after the agent steps away
One witness stated in a sworn declaration that Pretti approached officers with a camera, not a weapon, and did not touch them.
Was Alex Pretti Allowed to Carry a Gun?
Yes. According to local officials:
- Pretti was a lawful gun owner
- He had a valid permit to carry
- His only past police contact involved traffic violations
Under Minnesota law, carrying a handgun in public is legal with a permit.
A Pattern Raising More Questions
This was the second fatal shooting by ICE agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks. Earlier in January, another person, Renee Good, was also killed.
In both cases:
- Officials claimed self-defense
- Witnesses and videos challenged those claims
This pattern has intensified calls for independent oversight.
What Happens Next?
Even though HSI is leading the investigation:
- Any criminal charges would be decided by the Justice Department
- Public trust depends on transparency and fairness
- Pressure is growing for external review
The death of Alex Pretti is not just a tragic incident—it has become a major test of trust in federal law enforcement. With HSI leading an investigation into its own department, many experts and citizens are questioning whether justice can truly be independent.
Conflicting video evidence, eyewitness accounts, and unusual investigative decisions have only deepened public concern. As the case moves forward, transparency and accountability will be critical to ensuring confidence in the final outcome and honoring the life that was lost.