Washington, Jan 25 (NationPress) A resident of Minneapolis lost his life during a federal operation focused on immigration enforcement, heightening the already strained relations between the Trump Administration and the government of Minnesota, along with the opposing Democratic Party.

The victim, identified by Democratic leaders as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, worked as a nurse for Veterans Affairs. This incident took place amid ongoing federal immigration initiatives in Minnesota involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting occurred around 9:05 AM CT while officers were engaged in a targeted operation against an illegal alien accused of violent assault.

DHS reported that “an individual approached US Border Patrol officers wielding a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.” The statement indicated that “the officers attempted to disarm the suspect, but the armed individual resisted violently.”

“In fear for their own lives and the safety of their colleagues, an agent discharged defensive shots,” they stated. It was noted that “medics on the scene provided immediate medical assistance, but the individual was pronounced dead at the location.”

DHS claimed that the individual “was also in possession of two magazines and lacked identification,” suggesting a scenario where this individual aimed to inflict maximum damage on law enforcement. They added that “further details on the armed confrontation are forthcoming.”

The department also mentioned that “approximately 200 rioters arrived at the scene to obstruct and assault law enforcement,” which led to the deployment of “crowd control measures to ensure the safety of both the public and law enforcement.”

President Donald Trump defended the federal immigration agents in a social media message, questioned the role of local police, and accused Minnesota officials of misconduct. He stated that ICE agents were operating due to “massive financial fraud with billions of dollars unaccounted for,” and urged, “LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!”

Democratic leaders contested the administration's narrative and harshly criticized the federal response.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, “Masked individuals, posing as law enforcement, have brutally killed another American citizen in Minneapolis without justification.” He described the death of VA nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti as “a horrific, preventable tragedy.”

Jeffries called for accountability, asserting that the American populace “deserves a thorough, independent investigation without interference or obstruction from DHS.” He insisted that “every federal agent involved in the unjustified killing of a civilian must face criminal accountability to the fullest extent of the law.”

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar claimed that the incident occurred following reports of involvement from immigration enforcement agents. “This looks like an execution by immigration enforcement,” she expressed. “I am utterly heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents have murdered another member of our community.”

Omar stated that the incident reflects a broader pattern. “This is neither isolated nor accidental,” she argued, adding that “the Trump administration is attempting to oppress us rather than protect us.” She asserted that ICE and CBP are “violating constitutional rights under the pretense of immigration enforcement.”

House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson remarked, “Another US citizen has been murdered in cold blood by ICE and CBP in Minneapolis for exercising his First Amendment rights.” He insisted that the killing “should shock all Americans.”

Thompson accused DHS of attempting to manipulate public perception, stating that “within minutes, DHS and its propaganda machine slandered and attacked the deceased individual without evidence.” He demanded that “ICE and CBP must withdraw from Minneapolis immediately” and called for the prompt release of body-camera footage.

The fallout from this incident has resonated beyond Minnesota. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her dismay at “yet another tragic shooting in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents,” asserting that “this violence must stop.” She urged the president to “remove these armed federal forces from Minneapolis and other American cities.”

Bass announced her participation with mayors nationwide in a federal court challenge against what she termed the administration’s “unconstitutional and unlawful deployment of federal agents in the Twin Cities.” She labeled Operation Metro Surge as “unacceptable” and cautioned against permitting the federal government to “transform cities into war zones.”

This killing has escalated the national discourse regarding the extent, tactics, and oversight of federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, especially in states and cities led by Democrats. Minnesota has witnessed persistent protests in recent weeks due to the increased federal presence, with local officials and federal authorities presenting sharply divergent accounts of enforcement actions and public safety.