Here’s what happened.
Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents involved in a fatal confrontation in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, according to a report first obtained by Fox News.
Federal officials stressed that the move is standard protocol following any officer-involved shooting and does not indicate wrongdoing. As part of routine procedure, the agents have been temporarily removed from field assignments while reviews are conducted.
The incident occurred Saturday during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Alex Pretti, identified by authorities as a Department of Veterans Affairs ICU nurse, was fatally shot after a confrontation with Border Patrol agents amid a tense and chaotic scene.
Officials say agents were operating in plain clothes when a group of civilians began yelling, blowing whistles, and closely following law enforcement. Authorities repeatedly instructed individuals to remain on the sidewalk and avoid interfering with federal operations.
According to law enforcement accounts, Pretti became involved during the enforcement action and resisted attempts to take him into custody. A struggle followed as agents attempted to maintain control of the situation.
During the confrontation, agents reported seeing what they believed to be a firearm in Pretti’s waistband. An officer can be heard on video repeatedly warning others by shouting, “He’s got a gun,” moments before shots were fired. Investigators later confirmed a 9mm handgun was recovered from the scene.
One Border Patrol agent discharged a CBP-issued Glock 19, while a second agent fired a CBP-issued Glock 47. Officials said multiple rounds were fired as agents responded to what they believed was an immediate threat.
The shooting marked the second deadly incident in Minneapolis this month involving federal immigration officers, underscoring growing tensions between immigration authorities and anti-ICE activists who have increasingly followed, confronted, and attempted to disrupt enforcement operations.
Earlier this month, another fatal incident occurred when ICE officials say Renee Nicole Good was shot after allegedly attempting to strike an ICE agent with her vehicle following repeated orders to exit the car.
As tensions escalated, President Donald Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to assess the situation and meet with officials. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino also confirmed that he and an unspecified number of agents will be leaving Minnesota as federal operations in the area are adjusted.
Federal officials continue to emphasize that Border Patrol agents are facing rising hostility while carrying out immigration enforcement duties, and that investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.
