The parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis man fatally shot by a US federal agent during an immigration enforcement operation, have accused the Trump administration of spreading what they called “sickening lies” about the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
In a statement to CNN, Michael and Susan Pretti strongly rejected the department of homeland security’s account that their son was armed and violently resisted officers.
“Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed,” they said.
The department of homeland security earlier stated that border patrol agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation when Pretti allegedly approached officers while armed with a handgun and two magazines.
DHS said agents attempted to disarm him and that an officer fired “defensive shots” after the man “violently resisted.” Border patrol commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino claimed the man was attempting to “massacre law enforcement.”
Rejecting those assertions, Pretti’s parents said, “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.”
Pretti, a US citizen and south Minneapolis resident, worked as an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, according to family members and reports. His parents described him as a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply for his family, friends and American veterans.
“Alex wanted to make a difference in this world,” they said, adding, “I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman.”
Local police confirmed Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry. Authorities said he had no significant criminal history beyond minor traffic violations. Video footage captured by bystanders showing the moments around the shooting has circulated widely on social media.
The incident occurred early Saturday (local time) near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis and marked the third fatal shooting involving federal agents in the city in roughly three weeks, following the earlier death of Renée Good.
The shooting triggered large protests, with crowds gathering at the scene and confrontations reported between demonstrators and law enforcement. Tear gas and crowd-control measures were deployed to disperse the gatherings.
Minnesota’s governor and Minneapolis mayor questioned the federal account of events and called for an independent investigation, urging calm amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, VP JD Vance and other MAGA-aligned figures accused Minnesota officials of obstructing immigration enforcement.
Investigations by Minneapolis police and federal authorities are ongoing. No charges have been announced.
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