In a heart-wrenching revelation, the parents of a Minnesota man fatally shot by Border Patrol agents have identified him as Alex Pretti. Pretti, 37, was an intensive care nurse dedicated to serving veterans through his work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His parents shared insights into his life and his motivations with the media, painting a picture of a man deeply moved by recent events.

According to his parents, Pretti became involved in protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the unfortunate death of Renee Good in early January. This incident spurred him into action, joining others in voicing their discontent with ICE’s operations.

In a tragic twist, Pretti’s family first learned of his possible involvement in the shooting through an inquiry from an Associated Press reporter. Michael Pretti, Alex’s father, recounted how his son’s passion for justice and change led him to participate in protests, despite the risks involved.

Border Patrol Commander Bovino Provides Update on Fatal Border Patrol Shooting in Minneapolis

Pretti’s decision to protest came despite parental concerns. They had advised him about the dangers associated with opposing Operation Metro Surge. Nevertheless, on that ill-fated Saturday, Pretti attended the protest armed with a 9mm Sig Sauer and two magazines of ammunition. According to Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino, Pretti was without any identification at the time of the incident, adding to the complexity of the situation.

“He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’s father. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests.”

Border Patrol Commander Bovino Provides Update on Fatal Border Patrol Shooting in Minneapolis

Pretti’s parents tried to give their son guidance surrounding his choice to protest the activity of Operation Metro Surge.

“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” Michael Pretti said. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”

[…]

Family members said Pretti owned a handgun and had a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Minnesota. They said they had never known him to carry it.

On this Saturday when Pretti chose to protest, he conceal carried a 9mm Sig Sauer with two magazines of ammunition. As Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino revealed, Pretti did not have any form of ID on his person.

BREAKING: DHS tells @FoxNews the suspect was armed with a gun, which has been recovered by federal agents. pic.twitter.com/GLZJMdwIup

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 24, 2026

Dive Deeper: More Anti-ICE Chaos Ramping Up in MN: Attack on Agent With Gruesome Injury, National Guard Activated

Dems ‘Want to Perpetuate Violence’: DHS Sec Noem Makes Announcement About New CBP Shooting in Minneapolis

As RedState has covered, the then-unidentified protester engaged with U.S. Border Patrol officers, obstructing them from their targeted operation to apprehend an illegal alien who was wanted for violent assault. When the officers attempted to disarm Pretti, he resisted and attempted to engage his weapon. According to Bovino, the officers feared for their lives and they shot Pretti, neutralizing the threat. 

The family has taken issue with the characterization of their son given to the press by Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Bovino in his earlier conference, and by Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem in a separate conference. 

The family issued this statement to CNN.

Statement from the family of Alex Pretti, Michael and Susan Pretti:

“We are heartbroken but also very angry.

Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA…

— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) January 25, 2026

Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman.   

The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed.   

Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you”

This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates and additional details as they become available.

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