The US Department of Justice has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse and activist, during an immigration raid in Minneapolis last Saturday. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the probe on Friday, saying investigators would examine video footage and witness testimony to determine what happened.
Pretti was shot by officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol while protesting against aggressive enforcement tactics. He died after being tackled and shot, despite having a mobile phone in his hand. Bystander video contradicted initial claims by officials that he had attacked officers.
The killing has sparked fierce protests across the Twin Cities area, with demonstrators gathering daily. Ann Pelsue, 58, travelled three hours from Wisconsin to join a protest outside a federal building in Minneapolis, stating, “The community is really rallied.”
This is the second death linked to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Renee Good was shot dead on 7 January. The Justice Department has not opened a similar probe into her death.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has faced criticism for her initial response, in which she labelled Pretti a “domestic terrorist”. She later conceded she may have relied on incorrect information. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said her conduct “should be disqualifying”.
The FBI will lead the investigation into Pretti's death, a shift from an earlier internal review by the Department of Homeland Security.
