The US Department of Justice has launched a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse, by immigration officers last Saturday. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the probe on Friday, stating that authorities would examine all evidence surrounding the incident.
Pretti, 37, a nurse at a veterans hospital and activist, was shot while protesting against immigration raids and enforcement tactics by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. He became the third person shot during a surge of immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, and the second to die, following the killing of Renee Good on 7 January.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the FBI will lead the investigation. Blanche said the review would involve analysing video footage and interviewing witnesses. The announcement marks a shift from an earlier, narrower examination by the DHS.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism after initially claiming Pretti had attacked officers, a narrative contradicted by bystander video and witness testimony. Noem acknowledged receiving inaccurate information but has resisted calls to resign, including from within her own party.
Protests have continued daily across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Ann Pelsue, a demonstrator from Wisconsin, said the community remained rallied. Meanwhile, two additional videos emerged showing a confrontation between Pretti and federal officers 11 days before his death, during which he was seen kicking a vehicle's taillight.
