A Minneapolis resident is dead after a confrontation with Border Patrol agents during a targeted operation on Saturday. The man, identified as 37-year-old Alex J. Pretti, allegedly approached the agents while armed with a handgun, escalating a situation already fraught with tension.
The operation itself centered on Jose Huerta-Chuma, an individual with a history of violent offenses, including domestic assault. Law enforcement officers were attempting to apprehend Huerta-Chuma when Pretti intervened, drawing a weapon and confronting the agents directly.
According to Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, agents attempted to de-escalate the situation and disarm Pretti. When those efforts failed, and fearing for their lives and the safety of others, an agent discharged their firearm. Despite immediate medical attention, Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident immediately ignited a firestorm of controversy. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara expressed outrage, particularly over what they perceived as a lack of transparency regarding Pretti’s weapon. They argued that crucial information was initially withheld from the public.
The situation quickly deteriorated as a large group of individuals converged on the scene, actively obstructing law enforcement and, in some instances, engaging in assault. Crowd control measures were implemented to manage the escalating unrest.
In response to the growing instability, the Minnesota National Guard was mobilized to secure the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building and assist local agencies. Sheriff’s officials cited the potential for continued conflict as justification for requesting the Guard’s support.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting and demanded an immediate end to the federal operation, vowing to seek reimbursement from the federal government for the costs incurred by the state’s response. He insisted Minnesota should lead the investigation.
Mayor Frey delivered a passionate plea for the operation to cease, questioning how many more residents would be harmed before the administration prioritized American values over a “political and partisan narrative.” He directly appealed to President Trump to act decisively.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the need for local law enforcement to secure the scene and preserve evidence, requesting the federal government’s cooperation in allowing the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to process the area. She also requested public submissions of photos and videos related to the incident.
The shooting has reignited existing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and community activists in Minnesota, recalling a previous fatal incident involving an ICE agent earlier this year. The situation remains volatile as investigations continue and the city grapples with the aftermath.
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have also voiced their concerns, calling for ICE to withdraw from the city to allow local authorities to manage the situation and conduct a thorough investigation.
