Civil rights investigation opened into Alex Pretti shooting

January 30, 2026

The Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse and U.S. citizen, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The FBI will lead the probe with assistance from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, taking over from the previous investigation conducted by Homeland Security. Pretti's death, along with another fatal shooting by federal officers in the same city weeks earlier, has triggered widespread protests and bipartisan criticism, with Minnesota officials demanding withdrawal of federal agents and legal action to halt the immigration enforcement operation.

Who is affected

Alex Pretti (37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, fatally shot)
Renee Good (shot dead by federal officers in Minneapolis on January 7)
Two federal agents (placed on administrative leave)
Protesters and demonstrators in Minnesota
Residents of Minneapolis and Minnesota's capital region
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
Federal immigration agents deployed under Operation Metro Surge (approximately 3,000 officers)

What action is being taken

The FBI is leading a civil rights investigation into Pretti's shooting
The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is providing support to the investigation
Two agents involved in the shooting are on administrative leave
Minnesota is asking a federal judge to stop Operation Metro Surge
The Trump administration is de-escalating federal presence in Minnesota

Why it matters

This case highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement operations and local communities, particularly when fatal force is used against U.S. citizens. The deaths have sparked bipartisan condemnation and raised serious questions about the scope and conduct of federal immigration operations, potentially affecting how such enforcement actions are carried out nationwide. The incident demonstrates the potential for federal-state conflicts over immigration policy implementation and the accountability mechanisms for federal agents involved in shootings.

What's next

The FBI investigation will examine "everything that would shed light on that day"
The administration plans to "draw down" federal forces if local officials cooperate
A federal judge will consider Minnesota's request to stop Operation Metro Surge
The form and specifics of the federal de-escalation in Minnesota have yet to be determined

Read full article from source: BBC