US authorities have informed Congress that two federal officers discharged their weapons during an encounter in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, as President Donald Trump announced leadership changes and said he wanted to ease tensions in the region.
According to a notice sent to Congress on Tuesday and obtained by The Associated Press, officers attempted to take Pretti into custody but he resisted, leading to a physical struggle. During the confrontation, a Border Patrol agent repeatedly shouted that Pretti had a gun, the notice said.
The document stated that one Border Patrol officer and one Customs and Border Protection officer each fired a Glock pistol. The findings were based on a review of body-worn camera footage and agency records conducted by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Under federal law, CBP is required to notify relevant congressional committees within 72 hours whenever a death occurs in its custody.
The disclosure came a day after President Trump directed border czar Tom Homan to assume control of the administration’s immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota following Pretti’s death. The shooting marked the second fatal incident this month involving immigration enforcement officers.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Will Cain Show,” Trump said that sending Homan to Minnesota was intended to “de-escalate a little bit.” This marked a shift in tone, as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier declined to say that Homan’s deployment was meant to calm the situation. Trump added that Homan, despite his tough reputation, works well with governors and mayors, including those in Democratic-led areas.
As he departed the White House on Tuesday, Trump was asked whether the killing of Pretti on Saturday was justified. He replied that a “big investigation” was underway. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, some administration officials had suggested that the 37-year-old nurse was responsible for the confrontation.
Trump also said in a separate interview broadcast Tuesday that he had productive calls with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Monday, echoing remarks he had made shortly after those conversations took place.
The more conciliatory tone emerged even as immigration agents continued operations across the Twin Cities area, and it remained unclear whether enforcement tactics had changed following the White House’s intervention.
Walz’s office said the governor met with Homan and pressed for impartial investigations into the shootings involving federal officers. Both sides agreed to maintain ongoing communication. Mayor Frey and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara also confirmed meeting with Homan, describing the discussion as productive and saying talks would continue.
Earlier, the White House had blamed Democratic leaders for protests against immigration raids. However, after Pretti’s death and the release of videos suggesting he did not pose an immediate threat, the administration reassigned oversight of the Minnesota operation from Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino to Homan.
