Alex Pretti Injured During Run-In With Federal Agents Week Before Death

MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (THECOUNT) — Alex Pretti, the man who was shot and killed during a confrontation with federal agents last weekend, had reportedly suffered a broken rib while interfering with federal immigration officers roughly one week earlier, according to a CNN report citing a source familiar with the matter.

According to CNN, Pretti had attempted to intervene in a separate federal immigration enforcement operation days before his death. That earlier incident reportedly occurred when Pretti encountered federal agents actively pursuing a family during an immigration operation.

A person who said they spoke directly with Pretti afterward told CNN that Pretti reacted by blowing a whistle and shouting at the agents, drawing attention to the situation. The source, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, said federal agents then tackled Pretti in order to control the situation.

According to the source’s account, one agent placed pressure on Pretti’s back during the takedown, which Pretti later claimed resulted in a broken rib. The source told CNN that Pretti believed at the time that he might die during the encounter.

CNN reported that medical records it reviewed showed Pretti was later prescribed medication consistent with treatment for a rib injury. However, the outlet noted that it remains unclear whether the injury was formally diagnosed as a fracture.

It is also unknown whether federal agents involved in the second and fatal encounter recognized Pretti from the earlier incident, CNN reported.

The second encounter, which resulted in Pretti’s death, occurred during another federal immigration enforcement operation. Federal authorities have emphasized that such operations are conducted under established protocols designed to ensure officer safety and maintain public order, particularly when individuals attempt to interfere with active enforcement actions.

The CNN report noted that federal authorities have recently increased efforts to identify and document individuals accused of interfering with immigration enforcement.

Earlier this month, Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s appointed border enforcement coordinator, publicly addressed the issue of interference with federal agents.

“One thing I’m pushing for right now … we’re going to create a database where those people that are arrested for interference, impeding, and assault — we’re going to make them famous,” Homan said earlier this month, according to CNN.

Homan stated the initiative is intended to deter interference and enhance safety for federal officers operating in the field.

President Trump dispatched Homan to oversee immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis amid heightened tensions surrounding federal activity in the area. According to reports, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino is expected to leave the city, with Homan assuming direct oversight while reporting directly to the president.

Homan is also scheduled to meet with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to discuss cooperation between federal and local authorities. Federal officials have reiterated that immigration enforcement remains a federal responsibility.

At this time, authorities have not announced whether any internal review is underway regarding Pretti’s death. Investigators have not released additional details surrounding the shooting, and it is not known whether body camera footage will be made public.

The incident remains under investigation.

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