Report by Tom Solomon Iboro
Minneapolis, January 25, 2026 — A federal judge has issued a crucial order blocking the Trump administration from destroying or altering any evidence related to the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis man, by a Border Patrol agent. The ruling comes amid mounting public outrage and legal battles surrounding the incident, which has intensified tensions in a city already shaken by previous federal officer-involved shootings.
The Incident
Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and father of two, was shot and killed by federal immigration agents on January 24, 2026. The shooting occurred during an operation by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, sparking immediate protests and calls for accountability.
Eyewitnesses at the scene have provided accounts that contradict official statements from the Trump administration. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, described the moments leading up to the shooting:
“Alex was not a threat. He was trying to walk away when the agents opened fire. It was shocking and completely unnecessary. People were screaming and running for cover.”
Another bystander, Maria Johnson, said:
“I saw the whole thing from my apartment window. Alex was calm, and the agents just shot him without warning. It’s heartbreaking. We need justice.”
Legal Action and Judge’s Order
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the Trump administration from destroying or tampering with evidence at the scene. The federal judge’s order ensures that all physical evidence, including video footage, forensic materials, and other investigative data, remains preserved for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Attorney Moriarty stated:
“This order is a critical step toward ensuring justice for Alex Pretti and his family. We will not allow any evidence to be destroyed or altered, and we demand a full and impartial investigation.”
Official Responses and Public Reaction
The Trump administration has maintained that the agents acted in self-defense, describing Pretti as a threat during the operation. However, these claims have been met with skepticism and condemnation from local officials and community leaders.
Minnesota Governor Lisa Hernandez condemned the shooting and the federal presence in the city:
“This is yet another tragic example of federal overreach and unnecessary violence. Our community deserves answers and accountability.”
Protests erupted across Minneapolis following the shooting, with hundreds gathering in freezing temperatures to demand justice and the removal of federal immigration agents from the city.
Community organizer Jamal Thompson said:
“We are tired of seeing our people killed with no consequences. This is about protecting our neighborhoods and demanding respect for human life.”
The shooting of Alex Pretti is the second fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis within a month, following the death of Renee Good. The incidents have fueled ongoing debates about the role of federal law enforcement in local communities and the need for reform.
This tragic event and the subsequent legal developments highlight the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and justice in law enforcement operations. The judge’s order to preserve evidence is a significant milestone in the pursuit of truth for Alex Pretti and his family.
