ICE Shooting Death: Alex Pretti's Family Demands Justice
What if the agents who shot your son faced no accountability — and the government refused to even tell you why? That is the reality Michael and Susan Pretti described at a press conference on October 27, 2026, nine months after federal immigration agents fatally shot their 37-year-old son, Alex Pretti, a nurse at a veterans hospital in Minneapolis. The family says the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney Dan Rosen have stonewalled them, while video footage contradicts the government's claim that Alex was armed and dangerous.
What happened on January 24, 2026
What if the agents who shot your son faced no accountability — and the government refused to even tell you why? Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during a Trump administration immigration operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The Trump administration quickly labeled him a domestic terrorist, claiming he was armed and violently resisted agents. Video footage told a different story: it showed Pretti holding a cellphone, not a weapon, and being shot in the back while lying in the street. He had no criminal record. He did have a license to carry the handgun he had holstered — agents removed it before opening fire.
Nine months of silence from the government
On October 27, 2026, Michael and Susan Pretti made their first public statements since their son's death. Speaking at a press conference, they said federal officials had "ignored us, misled us and shielded Alex's killers." Attorney General Todd Blanche and Minnesota U.S. Attorney Dan Rosen stonewalled the family for months. Rosen only agreed to meet with them in July — after they had reached out repeatedly — but declined to share basic information about the investigation's status. The Justice Department told Reuters that communications with families typically happen only at later stages of a case, such as indictment or trial, not during an active investigation.
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Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
Alex Pretti was not the only person killed. Renee Good, also 37, was fatally shot by an ICE officer in January as she attempted to drive away during a protest. Minnesota state officials recently confirmed that the federal government stopped sharing information with state investigators looking into both deaths. The Trump administration has argued that states lack jurisdiction to investigate federal officers — a position that has effectively blocked any independent state-level accountability.
Why this matters for immigrants and their communities
This case raises urgent questions about what happens when federal agents use lethal force during immigration operations — and whether anyone is held accountable. If you witness or are present during an ICE operation, knowing your rights matters. ICE agents are required to identify themselves. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to open your door without a judicial warrant signed by a judge (not just an administrative ICE warrant). If you believe an agent used excessive force, you or a witness can file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General.
What to do
- If you witness an ICE operation, stay calm and do not physically resist. Keep your hands visible and do not reach for anything quickly. Clearly state that you are exercising your right to remain silent.
- If you or someone you know is injured or killed during an immigration enforcement action, contact a civil rights attorney immediately. Organizations like the ACLU and the National Immigration Law Center can help connect families with legal representation.
- If you want to file a complaint about federal agent conduct, contact the DHS Office of Inspector General at oig.dhs.gov or call 1-800-323-8603.
- If you are in removal proceedings (the formal legal process where the government tries to deport you), consult an immigration lawyer before any ICE encounter — knowing your rights in advance can protect you.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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From an immigration attorney's perspective, the Pretti case highlights a critical gap: families of people killed during federal immigration operations have no guaranteed right to information during an active investigation, as the DOJ's own statement confirms. If you are in removal proceedings or live in a household where ICE may appear, prepare a "know your rights" plan now — designate a point of contact attorney, keep a judicial warrant checklist by your door, and make sure family members know not to open the door without one. The distinction between an administrative ICE warrant and a judicial warrant signed by a judge is legally significant and can determine whether agents may lawfully enter your home. Consult an immigration attorney to review your specific situation before an enforcement encounter occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE agents legally shoot someone during an immigration operation?
Federal agents, including ICE officers, are permitted to use force under federal law, but that force must be proportionate and justified. If an agent uses excessive or unjustified force, they can face criminal charges and civil liability — though prosecuting federal officers is extremely difficult in practice, as the Pretti case illustrates.
What is the difference between an ICE administrative warrant and a judicial warrant?
An administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) is signed by an ICE officer, not a judge. It does not give agents the legal right to enter your home without your consent. A judicial warrant is signed by a federal judge and does authorize entry. You have the right to ask to see the warrant through a closed door before opening it.
What can a family do if a relative is killed by federal agents during an immigration raid?
Families can file a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General, contact a civil rights attorney to explore a federal civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or Bivens claims, and reach out to their state's congressional representatives to request oversight. Acting quickly matters — statutes of limitations apply.
Does the government have to tell a victim's family what is happening in a federal investigation?
Not during an active investigation. The Justice Department's own policy, as stated in response to the Pretti family, is that communications with families typically occur only at later stages — indictment, trial, or sentencing. Families have no legal right to real-time updates while an investigation is ongoing.