Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave

January 29, 2026

Two US Customs and Border Protection agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse in Minneapolis, marking the second deadly shooting of a US citizen by federal immigration agents in the city within weeks. The incident has intensified conflict between the Trump administration and Minneapolis officials over the city's sanctuary policies and Operation Metro Surge, which has resulted in over 3,000 arrests since December. Video evidence contradicts initial claims by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that Pretti was brandishing a weapon, leading to bipartisan calls for her removal and threats of impeachment.

Who is affected

Alex Pretti (37-year-old intensive care nurse, killed)
Renee Good (37-year-old US citizen, shot on January 7)
Two CBP agents (placed on administrative leave)
One ICE agent (placed on administrative leave for Good shooting)
Representative Ilhan Omar (assaulted, receiving death threats)
Anthony Kazmierczak (charged with third-degree assault)
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
President Donald Trump's border tsar Tom Homan
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Stephen Miller (White House immigration adviser)
More than 3,000 illegal immigrants arrested in Minnesota
Refugees arrested while awaiting permanent residency documents
Minneapolis residents and Minnesota communities

What action is being taken

Two CBP agents involved in Pretti's shooting are on administrative leave
The ICE agent who shot Renee Good is on administrative leave pending investigation
DHS is conducting Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis (ongoing since December 1)
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is maintaining the city's sanctuary policies
Republican and Democratic lawmakers are calling for Noem and Stephen Miller to be removed
Senior House Democrats are threatening impeachment proceedings against Noem
Members of both parties are discussing removing DHS funding in upcoming spending legislation
ICE officers in Minnesota are being instructed to avoid engaging with "agitators" and only target immigrants with criminal history

Why it matters

This incident represents a critical escalation in the conflict between federal immigration enforcement and local jurisdictions over sanctuary policies during Trump's second term. The contradictions between official accounts and video evidence have undermined public trust and sparked bipartisan outrage, with lawmakers threatening unprecedented actions including impeachment and defunding of DHS. The shooting of two US citizens by federal agents within weeks highlights concerns about the tactics and oversight of aggressive immigration operations, while a federal judge's ruling questions the legality of targeting refugees who entered the country legally. The situation demonstrates how Trump's immigration crackdown is creating constitutional tensions, civil unrest, and political consequences that extend beyond immigration policy into questions of federal authority and individual liberties.

What's next

Congress must pass spending legislation by February 1 to avoid government shutdown (with potential DHS funding cuts being discussed)
Investigations into both shootings will continue while agents remain on administrative leave
Senior House Democrats may proceed with impeachment proceedings against Noem if she doesn't resign or get fired
A federal judge has ordered the government to release arrested refugees and return those taken out of Minnesota to the state

Read full article from source: BBC