As “Operation Metro Surge” draws down, state investigators are blocked from accessing evidence related to the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has actively refused to assist state authorities investigating the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse shot by federal agents during a Minneapolis protest. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced the operational deadlock, sparking outrage from local leaders and the victim’s family.
Pretti was fatally wounded on January 24 amidst demonstrations against severe immigration enforcement sweeps. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans condemned the FBI’s failure to provide any gathered intelligence or evidence, labeling the federal silence as “concerning and unprecedented.”
Demands for a Joint Probe
While the Department of Justice is conducting an isolated civil rights review of the shooting, the BCA has signaled its desire for a “joint investigation” to bridge the gap between state and federal authorities. This approach is strongly backed by Pretti’s family.
Justice and accountability requires a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts.
The BCA confirmed it will push forward with its independent review regardless of federal obstruction. The agency is also probing two other casualties of the recent federal operations: the ICE shooting of Renee Good on January 7, and the injury of a Venezuelan national on January 14. Cooperation from the FBI on these cases remains highly doubtful, according to state officials.
A Traumatized City
The jurisdictional friction follows a tumultuous period for Minnesota under “Operation Metro Surge,” a Trump administration directive aimed at mass arrests of undocumented immigrants. While border tsar Tom Homan recently announced a drawdown of the forces—claiming the operation successfully detained 4,000 individuals—the local impact has been devastating.
Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal footprint, asserting that the surge caused “generational trauma” and inflicted profound damage on the community, leaving behind a trail of violence and unanswered questions.
SOURCES: Minnesota BCA, Governor Tim Walz, CBS News, Department of Justice.
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