FBI & DOJ Opens Civil rights investigation into Nurse Alex Pretti killing
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that a civil rights investigation is underway following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the move as a routine step in cases involving use of force by federal agents. Speaking at a press conference, Blanche said he did not want to “overstate” the action, explaining that such investigations are standard procedure when serious incidents occur.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will lead the inquiry, with assistance from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Officials said the investigation will review all available evidence to better understand the events that led to the shooting.
Pretti’s death occurred weeks after another fatal encounter involving federal officers in Minneapolis, which has drawn national attention and public concern.
Blanche stated that the Civil Rights Division would participate in the investigation as needed, adding that authorities are “looking at everything that would shed light on that day.”
Previously, the matter had been handled by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to reports from CBS News.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that two officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
A preliminary DHS report submitted to Congress indicated that two officers discharged their firearms during a physical altercation with Pretti. Early accounts had alleged that Pretti displayed a weapon, though the ongoing investigation is expected to clarify the sequence of events.
Pretti, 37, was an intensive care nurse and a U.S. citizen. Reports indicate he had participated in local protests following an earlier fatal law enforcement encounter in the city.
The incidents have led to demonstrations in Minnesota and sparked debate among lawmakers from both major political parties. State and local leaders have expressed concerns about the scale of federal enforcement operations in the region.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have called for a reduction in the federal law enforcement presence. The state has also petitioned a federal judge to halt “Operation Metro Surge,” a DHS-led immigration enforcement initiative that began in December and involves thousands of officers.
President Donald Trump recently stated that his administration intends to “de-escalate” federal activity in Minnesota. Border policy official Tom Homan said federal authorities plan to reduce their visible presence if cooperation from local officials continues, while maintaining enforcement goals.
“We are not surrendering our mission,” Homan said during remarks in Minneapolis. “We’re just doing it smarter.”
The DOJ investigation remains ongoing, and officials have emphasized that conclusions will be based on a full review of evidence and applicable civil rights standards.
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