The family of Alex Pretti has spoken out in their first televised interview since the tragic death of the 37-year-old ICU nurse, who was fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on 24 January. In an emotional discussion with George Stephanopoulos on *Good Morning America*, Alex’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, and his sister, Micayla, expressed their grief and bewilderment at the circumstances surrounding his death.
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The family’s nightmare began with an unexpected phone call from a stranger, inquiring about Alex’s wellbeing after hearing he might have been involved in an incident with ICE. Micayla described the panic that ensued when she couldn’t reach her brother. Susan, desperate for information, called the Hennepin County Medical Center but received no answers. Unfortunately, they learned of Alex’s tragic fate by watching television footage of the shooting.
“Watching it on TV. Watching our son be shot ten times. That’s how we found out,” Michael recalled, as they began to comprehend the horror of that day. The sight of Alex’s distinctive jacket and sunglasses confirmed their worst fears, and the manner in which the family learned about his death has compounded their anguish. “No one called us,” Susan stated, her voice thick with emotion. “We still haven’t heard from anyone,” she added, highlighting the lack of communication from authorities.
Michael emphasised their need for accountability, stating, “We want justice, we want accountability for the people that did this to Alex.” The Pretti family has been left with a multitude of unanswered questions since the shooting incident occurred during the Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement programme initiated by the Trump administration.
Initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security suggested that Alex had approached officers with a handgun, prompting them to describe him as a violent threat. However, bystanders’ videos depicted a different narrative, showing him with a mobile phone, likely documenting the scene, before he was pepper-sprayed and restrained. Alex was legally carrying a firearm at the time, and witnesses indicated that he did not pose the threat suggested by federal officials.
As the family continues to grapple with grief, they are appalled by the characterisation of Alex by some Trump administration officials. In the immediate aftermath of his death, figures such as then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem denounced him as a “domestic terrorist”, while White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller described Alex as an “assassin”. Susan reflected on the hurt of hearing her son addressed in such terms. “What did he do to deserve to be murdered?” she questioned.
Amidst their pain, the Pretti family has not received any communication from key political figures regarding Alex’s case. “It tells me they don’t care,” Michael stated, echoing frustrations with the federal response. The family is demanding justice not only for Alex but also for others affected by similar incidents, including Renée Good, another U.S. citizen who was shot by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis.
The Department of Justice has opened a federal civil rights investigation into Alex’s death, but the Pretti family feels left in the dark about its progress. Their attorney, Steven L. Schleicher, expressed concerns over the lack of information provided to them. “We don’t know what information they’ve gathered,” he remarked, criticising the government’s handling of the case and emphasising that the family deserves transparency.
The federal government has yet to identify the officers involved in the shooting, a point which Micayla insists must change. “I want their names to be released,” she stated, underlining the need for accountability. The Pretti family continues to hold onto hope that others will acknowledge their loss and reflect on the broader issues at play in immigration enforcement.
As they await justice, Michael spoke of the support they have received from the community and beyond, stating, “The positive response has helped us.” They have received over 2,000 letters and messages of support, which have offered a small measure of comfort during this devastating time.
Through their pain, the Pretti family remains resolute in demanding accountability for Alex’s death, refusing to allow his memory to fade without justice or recognition. Their story resonates far beyond their personal tragedy, calling attention to issues surrounding immigration enforcement, federal accountability, and the need for a fair and just society.