US President Donald Trump has said his administration is “reviewing everything” following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, an incident that has sparked nationwide protests and intensified political tensions over immigration enforcement.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Trump said he did not like “any shooting” and indicated that federal agents would eventually be withdrawn from the city, though he offered no timeline. “We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination,” he said, adding that the deployment had done a “phenomenal job” but would end “at some point”.
The shooting occurred on Saturday during a federal immigration operation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have defended the agent involved, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claiming Pretti was shot after “brandishing” a gun. Local authorities, eyewitnesses and Pretti’s family strongly dispute that account, saying the firearm was legally owned and had been removed before he was shot. Videos circulating online appear to show Pretti holding a phone, not a weapon.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the moment as an “inflection point” for America, warning that trust in institutions was being eroded. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said state officers were blocked from accessing the scene by federal agents, despite having a search warrant, further fuelling tensions between state and federal authorities.
Pressure for a full, independent investigation is mounting from across the political spectrum. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said the credibility of ICE and DHS was at stake, while Congressman James Comer, a Trump ally, suggested immigration agents should be withdrawn from Minneapolis to avoid further loss of innocent lives. The National Rifle Association also called for a “full investigation,” urging restraint and accountability.
Pretti’s family has rejected the administration’s characterisation of him as a “domestic terrorist”, calling such claims “reprehensible and disgusting”. According to court records cited by the Associated Press, Pretti had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations. “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man,” the family said in a statement.
Vigils and protests have continued across Minneapolis and spread to major US cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Demonstrators have called for ICE to leave Minnesota, chanting slogans such as “ICE out now” and “Justice for Alex”. More than 60 Minnesota-based companies, including 3M, Best Buy and Target, have signed an open letter urging an immediate de-escalation and cooperation between local and federal officials.
The incident follows weeks of heightened tension in Minnesota, where federal immigration raids have drawn protests and civilian observers. Earlier this month, another Minneapolis resident was killed during a similar operation, deepening public anger and scrutiny of federal tactics.
As political divisions sharpen, Democrats have threatened to block funding for DHS if accountability measures are not included, raising the possibility of a government shutdown. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have both condemned the events in Minneapolis, describing them as scenes they never expected to see in America.
With investigations pending and public outrage growing, the killing of Alex Pretti has become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over immigration enforcement, the use of force by federal agents, and the limits of state and federal power.
Source : BBC News
