On January 24, a US citizen was shot dead by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, sparking large protests and a wave of criticism from local authorities. This is the second incident in the month involving a US citizen's death due to federal immigration officers firing guns.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, a border patrol officer opened fire in self-defense after a man carrying a handgun resisted being stripped of his weapon.
However, local leaders have questioned this information, in the context that many videos circulating on social networks are said to be contradictory to explanations from the federal side.
The deceased was identified by media and social networks as Mr. Alex Pretti (37 years old) - a nurse working at a veterans' hospital in Minneapolis.
In the videos filmed by people and verified by Reuters, Mr. Pretti stood on the street, using his phone to record federal employees.
An employee was recorded using pepper spray aimed at Mr. Pretti and those around him. When Mr. Pretti tried to stop the pepper spray and support others, many employees controlled him down to the road surface and hit him hard in the head and body.
While he was being held tightly, an employee pulled out a gun and many shots rang out, then Mr. Pretti's body lay on the road.
The shooting pulled hundreds of people into the streets to protest, facing federal employees carrying weapons and covering their faces. The force used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.
Tensions only subsided after federal employees left, although protesters still gathered for hours afterwards.
Minister of Homeland Security Kristi Noem affirmed that the person shot attacked the officer on duty and had no intention of peaceful protests.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rejected this argument, saying that the videos from multiple angles were "horrifying" and declared that the state would conduct its own investigation because it does not trust the federal government.
Mr. Drew Evans - head of the Minnesota Criminal Investigation Bureau - said that federal employees had hindered the state's initial investigation efforts.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Mr. Pretti is a legal gun owner, without criminal records other than traffic violations.
City officials called on people to exercise restraint, and said that the National Guard will support local police at the request of the state government. Some public activities have been disrupted due to security concerns.
The incident took place in the context of the state and city governments conflicting with President Donald Trump's administration over immigration campaigns.
Previously, the Trump administration claimed that an immigration officer acted self-defense by shooting Renee Good (37 years old) on January 7, and declined to allow local authorities to participate in the investigation.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz called for an immediate end to these campaigns, while President Trump accused local leaders of inciting opposition.
Vice President JD Vance also criticized the lack of support for migrant workers, which increased tensions between the two sides.
