The two US Border Patrol agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave, according to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
Sources within the Department of Homeland Security have disclosed that the agents, whose identities remain undisclosed, have been relieved of field duties and are on paid administrative leave while investigations into the incident continue. They have been provided with mental health support as part of standard protocol and will be assigned desk roles when they return to active duty until the inquiry concludes.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and American citizen, was fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24. The shooting, captured on video, has sparked nationwide protests and raised questions about federal law enforcement tactics, as footage suggests Pretti was subdued before being shot.
President Donald Trump has called for a thorough investigation into the shooting, a departure from earlier statements by Homeland Security officials insinuating Pretti posed a threat. A preliminary government investigation found no evidence that Pretti had displayed his legally owned handgun before being shot, contradicting previous claims.
The decision to place the agents on administrative leave comes amid escalating public outcry following Pretti’s death and the recent killing of another anti-ICE protester, Renee Good, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
The ongoing investigation and protests have made Pretti’s death a focal point in the national discourse on federal immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal agents.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Wednesday that 16 protesters in Minnesota had been arrested for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement officers.
Bondi stated, “I am currently in Minneapolis. Federal agents have apprehended 16 Minnesota rioters for purportedly attacking federal law enforcement officers who have faced resistance and obstruction from these individuals.
“We anticipate more arrests. As I’ve said before, nothing will deter President Trump and the Department of Justice from upholding the law.”
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