WASHINGTON — Two federal officers fired their weapons during an encounter that resulted in the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, according to a notice sent to Congress by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Tuesday. The incident occurred after officers attempted to take Pretti into custody, and a struggle ensued. A Border Patrol agent reportedly shouted, “He’s got a gun!” multiple times during the altercation.
The CBP notice confirmed that both a Border Patrol officer and a CBP officer fired Glock pistols. Investigators from CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility reviewed body-worn camera footage and agency documentation to prepare the report. Federal law requires that congressional committees be notified of any deaths in CBP custody within 72 hours.
The incident has also drawn international attention. Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed a formal protest after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without permission. A consulate staffer blocked the agents, citing international law that prohibits law enforcement from entering diplomatic facilities without consent, except in life-threatening emergencies.
The shooting prompted President Donald Trump to dispatch White House border czar Tom Homan to oversee federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. Trump described Homan as “tough” but capable of working with local officials, and said the move was intended to “de-escalate a little bit.” Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, previously in charge of operations, is expected to step aside.
The Pretti shooting is the second fatal encounter involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, sparking protests and widespread debate over immigration enforcement practices. Videos from the scene have raised questions about whether Pretti posed an active threat. Some administration officials initially suggested he did, while later statements acknowledged potential procedural lapses by CBP officers.
Separately, federal courts have intervened in related immigration cases. In Texas, a judge temporarily blocked the removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father, detained in Minnesota. Another Ecuadorian man was released from custody, prompting Minnesota Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz to order the acting ICE director to appear in court—a rare step highlighting the administration’s handling of mass detentions.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and the city’s police chief met with Homan on Tuesday and reported “productive” discussions about ongoing enforcement operations. Activists continue to monitor federal activities in the city.
The developments underscore growing tensions over immigration policy, law enforcement accountability, and U.S. compliance with international diplomatic norms.
