During a recent ICE operation on Saturday, a man was shot dead by Border Patrol agents after he approached them brandishing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The individual, identified as Alex Preti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, moved toward the officers as they attempted to arrest Jose Huerta Chuma, according to Gregory Bovino, the director of Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection in Minneapolis.
The Department of Homeland Security reported via social media that Preti “violently resisted” attempts by officers to disarm him. They mentioned that the agent, fearing for his own life and the safety of his colleagues, fired defensive shots. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Preti dead on the scene after their arrival.
Later that evening, around 200 protesters assembled at the location, leading to crowd control measures, including the use of tear gas, as tensions escalated. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Preti was a resident of the city and had legal permission.
This incident marks the second ICE shooting in Minneapolis this month, following the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed when ICE agents collided with the SUV he was using to block traffic.
On Monday, President Donald Trump announced he would be sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota, mentioning that he had productive discussions with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, implying that they were “on the same wavelength.” Trump expressed optimism about Homan’s visit, citing successes in various locations and maintaining that crime in Minnesota has significantly decreased.
Governor Walz, alongside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, voiced criticism of the federal operation, stating, “We are building a record of evidence for future prosecution of the ICE agents and officials involved.” He emphasized that further information about the situation will be released in due course.
