Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Launches State Probe as DHS Labels ICE Shooting Defensive
Updated (2 articles)
State Leadership of Investigation Confirmed Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota will head the inquiry into the Saturday morning ICE shooting, rejecting federal oversight and asserting that the state’s justice system will have the final say[1][2]. He warned the White House that federal authorities cannot be trusted to lead the case. The announcement came on Jan 24, 2026, the same day the shooting was reported.
Victim Identified as ICU Nurse Alex Pretti Police identified the 37‑year‑old victim as Alex Pretti, an intensive‑care nurse who served veterans and possessed a legal firearm permit[1][2]. He was shot multiple times just after 9 a.m. Central and later pronounced dead at a Minneapolis hospital. His occupation and permit status have been highlighted in both reports.
Attorney General and Mayor Pursue Legal Actions Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office will argue in court on Monday to halt the federal “Operation Metro Surge,” labeling it illegal and unconstitutional[1][2]. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced the city will file a temporary restraining order and has formally requested National Guard assistance to support police[1][2]. Both officials expressed grief and anger over Pretti’s death.
BCA Access Blocked by DHS Despite Warrant The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was summoned by Minneapolis police but was initially barred from the crime scene by DHS agents[1][2]. Even after presenting a signed judicial warrant, BCA investigators remained blocked, prompting criticism on social media. This obstruction underscores tension between state and federal law‑enforcement entities.
DHS Initiates Internal Review Labeling Shooting Defensive DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced an internal investigation, treating the incident like any other officer‑involved shooting and describing the raid as defensive because the target allegedly resisted arrest[1][2]. The department’s review will run parallel to the state‑led probe. Noem’s statement contrasts with state officials’ calls for a full criminal investigation.
Sources
-
1.
WBNS: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Leads State Investigation into Saturday ICE Shooting – Details Walz’s pledge, Pretti’s identity, Ellison’s court action, Frey’s restraining order request, BCA blockage, and DHS internal review labeling the shooting defensive.
-
2.
King5: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vows state‑led probe of federal shooting – Mirrors WBNS coverage, emphasizing Walz’s state‑led probe, Pretti’s background, Ellison’s legal challenge, Frey’s restraining order, BCA denial of entry, and DHS’s defensive‑shooting characterization.
Timeline
Jan 24, 2026 – ICE agents conduct a raid in Minneapolis that ends with agents shooting and killing 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who held a legal firearm permit; police later confirm his identity and note he served veterans [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Governor Tim Walz announces Minnesota will lead the investigation, stating “the state’s justice system will have the final word” and rejecting federal control of the probe [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem orders an internal DHS review, describing the incident as a “defensive” shooting and saying it will be examined like any other officer‑involved shooting [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigators are blocked from the crime scene by DHS agents even after presenting a signed judicial warrant, prompting a social‑media post about the obstruction [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Mayor Jacob Frey says Minneapolis will file a temporary restraining order and has formally asked the National Guard to assist police, noting the city’s 600 officers have canceled days off [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Attorney General Keith Ellison files a lawsuit seeking a court order to halt “Operation Metro Surge,” calling the federal immigration enforcement “illegal and unconstitutional” and expressing “intense grief and anger” over Pretti’s death [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Minneapolis files a temporary restraining order against ICE activities, echoing a similar request after the 2024 Renee Good shooting, and the city awaits a judge’s ruling [1].
2024 – The Renee Good shooting, another fatal encounter involving federal immigration enforcement, fuels ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny of ICE operations in Minnesota [1].
External resources (4 links)
- https://x.com/DHSgov/status/2015115351797780500 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/MnDPS_BCA/status/2015142056901955736 (cited 2 times)
- https://bit.ly/4jYLsOD (cited 2 times)
- https://bit.ly/4qgJnPX (cited 2 times)