Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown: Preble HS Graduate Fatally Shot
On Saturday, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by federal forces in Minneapolis. A graduate of Green Bay’s Preble High School, Pretti’s death has ignited conversations around immigration policy and law enforcement actions.
Background of Alex Pretti
Born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Pretti graduated from Preble High School in 2006. A dedicated performer, he participated in the school’s show choir, musicals, and various sports, including football, baseball, and track. He also engaged in the Boy Scouts and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir.
Pretti earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Society, and the Environment from the University of Minnesota in 2011. He later became a registered nurse and worked at the Veterans Administration, demonstrating a significant commitment to caring for others.
Activism and Concerns
Pretti was openly critical of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Family members reported that he was particularly disturbed by the policies affecting his community. He participated in protests following the deadly shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Law Enforcement officer earlier this month.
His father, Michael Pretti, emphasized Alex’s compassionate nature and his motivations for protesting. He explained, “He cared about people deeply, and he felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that.”
The Circumstances of the Shooting
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti was shot after allegedly approaching U.S. Border Patrol officers while in possession of a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. However, it was unclear if he brandished the weapon during the encounter. Bystander videos did not indicate any threatening behavior.
Family members revealed that Pretti owned a concealed carry permit for a handgun but had not frequently carried it. After the shooting, his family struggled to obtain information from local authorities and learned of his death through press coverage.
A Community Mourns
Neighbors described Pretti as a quiet and warm-hearted individual. Living alone in a four-unit condominium, he was known for his helpful nature and willingness to assist others. He was also an avid outdoorsman, often accompanied by his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog, who passed away shortly before his death.
Green Bay’s Mayor, Eric Genrich, called for a thorough investigation into the incident, highlighting the significance of Pretti’s status as a U.S. citizen and a product of the local community. His death has sparked demands for reassessment of immigration enforcement practices across the country.
Conclusion
Alex Pretti’s life and tragic death have raised important discussions about immigration policy and federal law enforcement actions in U.S. cities. As his community grieves, questions regarding accountability and the treatment of citizens in protests remain at the forefront.
