Federal‑State Conflict Escalates After Minneapolis ICE Shooting; Lawsuit Seeks Evidence Preservation
Updated (2 articles)
Officials Trade Blame Over Shooting Narrative Governor Tim Walz condemned the ICE response as “despicable” and urged President Trump to pull agents from Minnesota, while Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino first accused Alex Pretti of assaulting officers before saying he would await the investigation [1][2]. Both leaders delivered their statements at separate news conferences on Jan 25‑26, framing the incident as a clash between federal authority and a state‑level moral stance. Their opposing narratives intensified the political showdown surrounding the shooting.
Video Shows Pretti Unarmed Until Agents Find Handgun By‑stander footage captured Pretti stepping between an ICE officer and a woman, holding only a phone in his right hand with his left hand raised, and no weapon visible [1][2]. After the scuffle, agents reported discovering a licensed 9 mm concealed‑carry pistol and fired several rounds into his back. The video contradicts the administration’s claim that agents fired “defensively” and fuels disputes over the factual sequence of events.
Federal Officers Bar State Investigators, Judge Issues Protective Order Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension superintendent Drew Evans was denied entry to the shooting site despite presenting a judicial warrant, as federal officers blocked his team [1][2]. A federal judge subsequently issued a protective order prohibiting the Trump administration from destroying or altering any evidence related to the incident [1][2]. The BCA continues to work at the scene under the court’s directive.
Minnesota Sues Federal Government to Preserve Evidence Attorney General Keith Ellison and county officials filed a lawsuit on Saturday, Jan 25, seeking court‑ordered access to the evidence that state investigators have been denied [2]. A hearing is scheduled for Monday in a St. Paul federal court, aiming to prevent any tampering or withholding of material. The complaint underscores the state’s effort to hold federal officials accountable.
National Politicians and Gun Rights Groups Weigh In Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, former President Barack Obama, and other Democrats called for ICE’s removal from Minnesota, labeling Pretti’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” [1][2]. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded on X, accusing Walz of opposing law and order [1][2]. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus defended Pretti’s right to carry a concealed firearm at the protest, emphasizing legal gun‑ownership protections [2].
Sources
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1.
AP: Federal and state leaders clash over Minneapolis immigration shooting – Details the clash between Gov. Tim Walz and Border Patrol’s Greg Bovino, the video evidence, blocked state investigators, protective order, and reactions from families and national figures .
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2.
King5: Federal‑state showdown over Minneapolis immigration shooting – Highlights the same narrative conflict, video showing Pretti with only a phone, denial of state access, lawsuit to preserve evidence, political demands for ICE withdrawal, and gun‑rights defense of Pretti’s concealed carry .
Timeline
Jan 24, 2026 – ICE agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, during a Minneapolis protest; by‑stander video later shows Pretti holding only a phone before agents discover a licensed 9 mm handgun and fire several rounds into his back[1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Gov. Tim Walz holds a news conference, condemning the federal response as “despicable beyond all description” and urging President Trump to pull ICE agents from Minnesota, framing the incident as a choice between an “all‑powerful federal government” and a grieving nurse[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino delivers a separate briefing, initially accusing Pretti of assaulting officers and “interfere, obstruct, delay or assault,” then says he will await the investigation and will not speculate[1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Former President Barack Obama calls Pretti’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” and urges the White House to cooperate with state and city officials[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez joins other Democrats in demanding that ICE withdraw from Minnesota, adding political pressure on the federal immigration crackdown[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt replies on X, accusing Walz of opposing “law and order” and defending the federal agents’ actions[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and county officials file a lawsuit to inspect evidence and prevent federal tampering; a hearing is scheduled for Monday, Jan 26, 2026[2].
Jan 24, 2026 – A federal judge issues a protective order barring the Trump administration from destroying or altering any evidence related to the shooting[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is denied access to the scene despite presenting a judicial warrant; the agency continues work under the protective order[1].
Jan 24, 2026 – The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus issues a statement defending Pretti’s legal right to carry a concealed firearm at a protest, asserting that “every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms”[2].
Jan 2026 (ongoing) – ICE agents remain deployed in Minnesota as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown, heightening federal‑state tensions over enforcement and civil‑rights concerns[1][2].
Jan 26, 2026 – Federal court hears the state‑led lawsuit, with officials seeking full access to the shooting evidence and accountability for the federal officers involved[2].