Two US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, have been placed on administrative leave, the agency confirms, as public outrage and political pressure continue to mount.
Pretti was killed during an encounter with federal officers in Minneapolis on Saturday, sparking protests across Minnesota and renewed scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security’s operations in the city. Lawmakers from both major parties have called for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while senior Democrats threaten impeachment proceedings unless she resigns or is dismissed.
According to a preliminary Department of Homeland Security report sent to Congress, two officers fired their weapons during a physical struggle with Pretti. An officer allegedly shouted that Pretti had a gun before shots were fired. This account contrasts with early statements from the Trump administration, which claimed an agent fired defensive shots after Pretti brandished a weapon.
Analysis of available video footage finds no visible evidence of a gun in Pretti’s hand. CBP says the agents were placed on leave in line with standard protocol, though officials have not said when the decision was made or how long the agents will remain off duty. Earlier, a CBP commander had said the officers were still working, but reassigned to another city.
Newly published footage from the News Movement, shared shows an altercation between Pretti and federal officers 11 days before his death, further intensifying calls for transparency.
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis over DHS’s Operation Metro Surge, launched on 1 December, which has resulted in more than 3,000 immigration arrests in Minnesota, including individuals described as violent offenders and gang members. The operation has drawn protests and legal challenges, similar to those seen in other Democratic-led cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland.
President Donald Trump has said he wants to “de-escalate” the situation in Minneapolis but has escalated his rhetoric against Mayor Jacob Frey, who has vowed not to change the city’s sanctuary policies. Trump accuses Frey of “playing with fire” by refusing to enforce federal immigration laws.
Attorney General Pam Bondi says 16 people have been arrested in Minneapolis for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement during protests, adding that further arrests are expected.
The unrest has also affected local leaders. Representative Ilhan Omar says threats against her have increased following Trump’s rhetoric. She was attacked at a public event on Tuesday, with police charging a suspect with third-degree assault.
A federal judge has since ordered the release of refugees detained by immigration agents while awaiting permanent residency, criticising DHS actions and reaffirming the US’s role as “a haven of individual liberties.”
As investigations into Pretti’s death continue, pressure is growing on the administration, with lawmakers also discussing cutting DHS funding in upcoming spending legislation to prevent a government shutdown on 1 February.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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 agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, have been placed on administrative leave, the agency confirms,</p>
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