Deceased Anti-ICE Activist Was In Violation Of MN Gun Laws At Time Of Shooting

Alex Pretti, the anti-ICE agitator who was shot and killed while attempting to draw a gun on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis, was not carrying a valid ID at the time of the shooting.

Pretti, 37, confronted agents during an immigration enforcement operation targeting an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement. Footage from the scene shows Pretti filming agents and eventually intervening to stop the arrest of a fellow agitator before a scuffle ensured.

During the struggle with federal agents, Pretti can be seen reaching towards his waistband, at which point agents shouted “gun” and opened fire.  Emergency responders attempted to provide life-saving aid on the scene, but Pretti was pronounced dead not long after.

Pretti reaches towards his waist just seconds before the first shots rang out

Here it is slowed down. First shot was from a position and angle that originated from the suspect and the impact on the pavement can be witnessed.

The pause after is the officers reacting and then follow on shots come from officers as they engage.

Righteous shoot, yet again. https://t.co/ZMw0rjzX2l pic.twitter.com/5dfyVrbKAE

— Green Beret Nap Time (@GBNT1952) January 24, 2026

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed in a press conference that Pretti legally obtained the 9mm handgun he was carrying. He also had a legal concealed carry permit.

During a separate press conference, CBP Commander Greg Bovino revealed that Pretti was not carrying a valid ID at the time of the shooting. In Minnesota, individuals with a Permit to Carry a Pistol are required to carry both their valid permit card and a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, when carrying a firearm.

Failure to carry these items while carrying a pistol is a classified as a petty misdemeanor. Additionally, upon a peace officer’s request, the permit holder must disclose whether they are currently carrying a firearm, according to Minnesota law.

There is no indication that Pretti told agents he was carrying a firearm when he interfered with a federal law enforcement operation.

Interfering with ICE and/or CBP officers while they are making an arrest is a federal felony. The primary federal statute that applies is 18 U.S.C. § 111, which prohibits forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers or employees (including ICE and CBP agents) while they are engaged in or on account of the performance of their official duties.

“Interfering” or “impeding” can include physically intervening to stop or hinder an arrest, such as pushing an officer, blocking their path, grabbing the person being arrested, or using force to prevent the arrest.

Eyewitness footage shows Pretti inserting himself into an arrest situation before grabbing the suspect, at which point he and the suspect became involved in a struggle with federal agents.

BREAKING: Full video of the altercation from a better angle right up until the suspect is shot. You can see the suspect jump on the back of what may be another protestor before being pulled off. Crazy footage. pic.twitter.com/rsxLOXFSUO

— Kim "Katie" USA (@KimKatieUSA) January 24, 2026

“Pretti is on video directing SUVs to form a barricade on the street, which is what prompted the first confrontation with officers,” legal reporter Julie Kelly noted in an X post. “Which means he was actively impeding/obstructing federal officers, a felony under 18 USC 111. Also a crime to conspire to obstruct/impede federal officers; Pretti was working with at least one other individual at the time.”

Kelly further noted that these felonies were being committed while in possession of a firearm. “Pretti also by his actions was attempting to aid a criminal illegal evade law enforcement,” Kelly added.

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