DHS Report Confirms 2 Federal Agents Fired Weapons in Alex Pretti Shooting

A Department of Homeland Security report has confirmed that two federal officers fired their weapons during an encounter that resulted in the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, intensifying scrutiny over the use of force by immigration agents. The incident occurred on January 24, 2026, when Customs and Border Protection agents were conducting enforcement actions in Minneapolis. According to the DHS report sent to Congress on January 27, the agents attempted to take Pretti into custody after he intervened in their efforts to move two women out of a roadway. During the struggle that ensued, a Border Patrol agent repeatedly yelled, ‘He’s got a gun!’ Approximately five seconds later, both a Border Patrol agent and a CBP officer discharged their Glock pistols, striking Pretti. The report, based on body-worn camera footage and agency documentation, does not specify if Pretti attempted to reach for his weapon. Videos from the scene, obtained by news outlets, show that Pretti was disarmed by a law enforcement officer just before the first shot was fired. After the shooting, an agent advised that he had possession of Pretti’s firearm, though the exact timing of when the weapon was secured is unclear. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, was licensed to carry a firearm. The DHS notification states that agents used oleoresin capsicum spray on Pretti and a woman before the struggle began, highlighting the escalating confrontation. The report has prompted calls from lawmakers for a thorough investigation, with more than two dozen congressional Republicans urging scrutiny. The incident has sparked debates over Second Amendment rights and the conduct of federal agents in civilian encounters. DHS is required to report such in-custody deaths to Congress, and the Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting the analysis. The findings come amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis and national attention on immigration enforcement tactics. As investigations continue, the case raises questions about transparency and accountability in use-of-force incidents involving federal officers. The outcome could influence policy changes and further legal actions.