ice shooting minneapolis

 

A fatal shooting involving federal agents occurred in South Minneapolis on the morning 

of Saturday, January 24, 2026, marking the third such incident in the city this month.

The shooting took place near the intersection of West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue South during a "targeted operation" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Key Details of the Incident

• The Victim: The man killed was a 37-year-old resident of Minneapolis and a U.S. citizen. Though early reports varied on his age, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed he was 37. Two sources identified him as Alex Jeffrey Pretty
• Conflicting Accounts:
  • DHS Statement: Federal officials claim the man approached Border Patrol agents with a 9mm handgun and "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him, leading an agent to fire in self-defense.
  • Eyewitness/Video Reports: Bystander video appears to show multiple federal agents wrestling the man to the ground before he was shot multiple times. Some witnesses described him as a "civilian observer" rather than the target of the operation.
• Atmosphere: The shooting occurred in subzero temperatures following weeks of high-intensity federal immigration enforcement.

Escalating Tensions & Political Fallout

Governor’s Response: Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz called the incident "horrific" and "sickening," demanding that the White House end the federal operation and pull agents out of the state. He has insisted that the state, not federal agencies, must lead the investigation.

Protests: Following the shooting, crowds gathered at the scene to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Agents reportedly used teargas and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd.

Context: This is the latest in a series of violent encounters in January 2026, including the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good and a non-fatal shooting of a Venezuelan man on January 14.