Minneapolis: Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37-year-old man shot dead by federal immigration agents during a high-profile enforcement operation in Minneapolis, was an ICU nurse, a lawful gun owner, and a US citizen with no serious criminal history, according to local authorities and his family.

Pretti, a resident of south Minneapolis, worked as an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he cared for American veterans. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti had only minor prior violations, limited to parking and traffic tickets, and was known to possess a legal permit to carry firearms.

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“He 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,” Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, said in a statement read aloud on local news channel KARE 11.

“Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”

Fatal shooting during ‘Operation Metro Surge’

The fatal shooting occurred at around 9.05 am near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis during a large federal immigration enforcement drive known as ‘Operation Metro Surge.’

Federal officials said Border Patrol agents opened fire after Pretti allegedly brandished a weapon and resisted arrest, claiming the shooting occurred in self-defence. Authorities initially misidentified him as a 51-year-old man before later confirming his correct identity.

Police confirmed Pretti was a US citizen and said no serious criminal record was found during background checks.

Also read: ‘Using child as bait’: ICE detains 5‑year‑old while father arrested in Minneapolis

Amnesty International condemns operation

Amnesty International USA strongly criticised the presence of federal immigration agents in US cities following the shooting.

“The latest devastating reminder” that agents “are not making our communities safer,” said Amy Fischer, director for refugee and migrant rights with Amnesty International USA.

“Instead, they are operating with impunity, using deadly force in broad daylight, terrorising neighbourhoods, and tearing young children from their families.”

“This killing is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader pattern in which ICE, with its paramilitary-style operations, has been unleashed to carry out violent and abusive enforcement and detention practices with little oversight or accountability,” Fischer also said. “From deadly street operations to the torture, neglect and other abuses documented in immigrant detention facilities, ICE has repeatedly violated human rights while facing virtually no consequences.”

Family disputes official version

Pretti’s parents have disputed the official account of events and accused federal authorities of spreading false claims about their son.

“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” they said.

“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,” they said. “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,” they continued. “He was a good man.”