Federal immigration officers shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during a large-scale immigration crackdown, sparking hundreds of protesters to take to the streets in frigid weather. The incident has intensified political tensions and drawn criticism from local officials, who are demanding an end to the federal operation.
The shooting occurred when Department of Homeland Security agents were conducting an operation as part of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, officers fired “defensive shots” after a man with a handgun approached them and “violently resisted” disarmament attempts. However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that the 37-year-old victim, identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, and bystander videos did not clearly show a weapon. The officer involved is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, and federal officials claim he acted in self-defense.
Hundreds of protesters quickly gathered at the scene, chanting “ICE out now” and confronting federal agents with profanities. Despite temperatures as low as -6 degrees Fahrenheit, the crowd remained, dragging dumpsters to block streets and clashing with officers who wielded batons and deployed flash bangs. The Minnesota National Guard was activated by Governor Tim Walz to assist local police, highlighting the escalating strain between state and federal authorities. This protest follows weeks of daily demonstrations since the January 7 shooting of Renee Good, another victim of ICE operations in the area.
The immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, described by DHS as its largest-ever enforcement operation, has deployed around 2,000 federal agents to the city. President Donald Trump has linked the crackdown to fraud cases and has defended the actions on social media, criticizing Minnesota’s Democratic leaders for inciting insurrection. In response, Governor Walz expressed no confidence in federal officials and called for Trump to end the operation, while Mayor Jacob Frey has condemned the violence.
Investigation into the shooting is being led by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, but Superintendent Drew Evans reported that federal officers initially blocked access to the scene, requiring a judicial warrant. Police Chief O’Hara appealed for calm, urging federal agencies to operate with discipline and humanity. The incident underscores deep divisions over immigration policy and law enforcement tactics, with community members fearing for their safety.
As protests continue, the fallout from this shooting may influence national debates on immigration enforcement and police accountability. The event has drawn attention to the human cost of aggressive crackdowns and the need for transparent investigations to restore public trust.
