'Get out of our state': Tim Walz tells Trump to remove ICE agents from Minnesota

Key Concepts

• Federal Immigration Agents/US Border Patrol: Agents operating under the Department of Homeland Security, enforcing immigration policies.
• Open Carry: The practice of openly displaying a firearm in public, legal in Minnesota.
• Defensive Shots: Firearms discharged in response to an immediate threat to life.
• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): A federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States.
• Use of Force: The level of force used by law enforcement officers, a key point of contention in this case.

Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretty in Minneapolis: A Detailed Report

This report details the fatal shooting of Alex Pretty, a 37-year-old American citizen and intensive care nurse, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the subsequent political and public response. The incident has ignited protests and a dispute between the state governor and the federal government regarding the investigation.

Incident Details & Evidence

Alex Pretty was shot and killed after being confronted by US Border Patrol agents. Video footage shows Pretty being held on the ground, struck with the butt of a rifle, and then shot at least 10 times within a 5-second span. The victim appears to have been filming the encounter on his phone prior to the shooting. Witnesses expressed shock and disbelief, with one individual exclaiming, “Did they KILL THAT GUY? ARE YOUING KIDDING ME, DUDE?”

The Department of Homeland Security claims Pretty was carrying a firearm. Federal officials released images of a gun, alleging he intended to “massacre” the agents. However, video evidence from the scene contradicts this claim, and Governor Tim Walz disputes the assertion. Alex Pretty possessed a valid license to carry a firearm, and open carry is legal in Minnesota.

Political Response & Investigation

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz strongly condemned the shooting, stating, “I've seen the videos from several angles and it's sickening.” He directly challenged the federal government’s ability to conduct a fair investigation, declaring, “Minnesota's justice system will have the last word on this. It must have the last word. As I told the White House in no uncertain terms this morning, the federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it. Period.” This statement reflects a significant breakdown in trust between state and federal authorities.

Donald Trump, in response, accused local Minneapolis police of failing to protect immigration agents acting on behalf of the White House.

Public Reaction & Protests

The shooting immediately sparked protests in Minneapolis. Law enforcement responded to the demonstrations with tear gas. The city was already on edge following a similar incident two weeks prior, where another woman was shot dead by an immigration officer. Protesters voiced strong opposition to the tactics employed by federal agents enforcing President Trump’s immigration policies, chanting “YOU ARE NOT welcome here.”

ICE’s Account of the Incident

The head of ICE, Immigration Enforcement, placed the blame on Alex Pretty, stating, “An individual approached US Border Patrol agents with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The [snorts] agents attempted to disarm the individual, but he violently resisted. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, a board patrol agent fired defensive shots.” This account frames the shooting as a justified act of self-defense.

Environmental Context & Mood

The report notes the extreme weather conditions in Minneapolis (-21°F) but emphasizes that despite the cold, resistance to the federal agents is growing, and the public mood is characterized by “white hot anger.”

This incident underscores the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal agents, particularly in cities critical of President Trump’s policies. The dispute over the investigation’s control highlights a broader conflict between state and federal authority.