1. What occurred during the federal immigration operation in Minneapolis?
Federal agents were involved in a targeted operation to apprehend an Ecuadorian man wanted for violent assault when they shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, early Saturday in south Minneapolis. Footage shows several agents struggling with Mr. Pretti before shooting him multiple times in the chest after he allegedly approached them with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun and resisted their attempts to disarm him.
The victim has been identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, a nurse who, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, had no significant criminal record aside from traffic violations and was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit. The Department of Homeland Security noted that Mr. Pretti did not have any identification on him at the time of the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that federal agents were conducting a “targeted operation” aimed at locating Jose Huerta-Chuma, an Ecuadorian man with a history of domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and driving without a license. This operation was part of President Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy, marking the third shooting involving government agents during these operations.
Related: Man fatally shot by federal agents in Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged President Trump to withdraw immigration agents from the state, claiming they are causing chaos and violence. He activated the State Emergency Operations Center and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to support local law enforcement. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty mentioned that her office is collaborating with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for a coordinated state response, although investigators faced initial barriers accessing the scene due to Homeland Security personnel.
Following the incident, protests erupted at the scene where authorities used tear gas against crowds wearing gas masks; dumpsters were set ablaze and multiple arrests occurred. According to DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, some protesters assaulted an officer resulting in severe injuries while Governor Walz indicated that Minnesotans are compiling evidence for potential future legal actions against the involved federal agents.
