The FBI has formally refused to share evidence with Minnesota state investigators in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a legally armed ICU nurse killed by federal Border Patrol agents, marking an unprecedented breakdown in law enforcement cooperation that leaves families without answers and raises serious questions about federal accountability.
Story Snapshot
- FBI denies Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension access to evidence in the January 24, 2026, killing of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse with a lawful carry permit
- State investigators call the refusal “concerning and unprecedented,” extending to three separate federal shooting cases in Minneapolis
- Bystander videos contradict DHS claims that Pretti threatened agents; he intervened after witnessing a woman shoved during an immigration arrest
- Hennepin County Attorney plans formal demand to DOJ/DHS as state probe remains “significantly hampered” by federal stonewalling
Federal Agents Kill Armed Citizen During Immigration Enforcement
Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on January 24, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Bystander videos captured agents struggling with Pretti after he intervened to assist a woman shoved to the ground during an attempted arrest.
Agents pepper-sprayed Pretti, tackled him, disarmed him of his legally carried firearm, and then shot him during the altercation. Pretti possessed a valid permit to carry the weapon recovered at the scene. His family disputes federal claims that he posed a threat, calling DHS statements “sickening lies.”
Minnesota's top investigative agency says federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Prettihttps://t.co/qVOOZp5owP
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) February 16, 2026
State Investigators Face Unprecedented Federal Obstruction
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans announced February 16, 2026, that the FBI formally refused the week prior to share evidence collected in the Pretti shooting.
The BCA characterized the denial as “concerning and unprecedented,” noting the agency offered joint investigation protocols and full reciprocity. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated the federal refusal signals lack of confidence in the agents’ conduct.
The FBI has also withheld evidence in two related Minneapolis federal shootings from January 2026: ICE agent Jonathan Ross killing Renee Good on January 7, and a federal agent shooting Julio Sosa-Celis on January 14. State investigators continue their probes but acknowledge being “significantly hampered” without critical evidence.
Conflicting Narratives Raise Transparency Concerns
DHS claimed Pretti “violently resisted” arrest and intended to “massacre law enforcement,” justifications President Trump echoed by labeling Pretti a “gunman” and accusing Minneapolis leaders of inciting insurrection. Border Patrol described the undocumented immigrant they pursued as having “significant criminal history,” yet Minnesota Department of Corrections records show only old misdemeanor traffic offenses.
Witnesses and videos contradict federal statements, showing agents disarmed Pretti before shooting him. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted DHS blocked local officers from the scene despite an active BCA warrant.
The state obtained a temporary restraining order against DHS for evidence preservation, lifted February 2 by Judge Tostrud, yet federal agencies continue denying access to physical evidence, witness interviews, and agent identities.
Constitutional Questions and Armed Citizens’ Rights
This case exposes troubling implications for Second Amendment rights and lawful citizens carrying firearms during federal operations. Pretti exercised his constitutional right to bear arms with proper permitting, yet federal statements framed his legal carry as threatening behavior justifying lethal force.
The Trump administration’s hardline immigration enforcement, while pursuing legitimate border security, must not trample due process or transparency when force is used against citizens.
Former U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose maintains the DOJ civil rights investigation holds full authority, but federal opacity contradicts promises of accountability. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the state’s legal battles against DHS “uncharted territory,” highlighting how executive overreach strains constitutional federalism and cooperative law enforcement structures built on mutual respect and information sharing.
Families Denied Justice as Federal Probe Continues
The Pretti, Good, and Sosa-Celis families remain without closure as federal investigators refuse state cooperation. Moriarty plans to send written demands to DOJ and DHS this week, following precedent set in the Good case.
The BCA actively seeks public tips as its independent investigation proceeds despite federal obstruction. No charges have been announced in any of the three shootings, and the FBI has not responded to media inquiries as of February 16.
Short-term implications include delayed prosecutions and eroding public trust in federal transparency. Long-term consequences may establish dangerous precedents for evidence-sharing in mixed-jurisdiction officer-involved shootings, potentially shielding federal agents from state accountability mechanisms that apply to local law enforcement.
The pattern raises legitimate concerns about a dual system of justice where federal agents operate with less oversight than their state and local counterparts.
Sources:
FBI refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing with BCA
FBI will not share access to Alex Pretti evidence with Minnesota officials, BCA says
