Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Sunday that the Department of Homeland Security will take the lead in investigating a fatal shooting involving federal agents during a targeted immigration operation in Minneapolis, an incident that quickly ignited violent protests and a sharp political backlash.
According to DHS officials, the shooting occurred Saturday as U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to arrest Jose Huerta-Chuma, an undocumented immigrant allegedly wanted on assault charges and with a reported history that includes domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license. During the operation, authorities say a third party approached the agents and escalated the situation.
That individual was later identified as 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Alex Jeffrey Pretti. DHS said Pretti confronted officers while they were effecting the arrest and was armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines of ammunition. Video footage circulating on social media shows Pretti appearing to record the agents with what looks like a cell phone, though officials maintain a firearm was present but not clearly visible in the clips.
In a statement, DHS said officers attempted to disarm Pretti after he allegedly brandished the weapon and resisted commands. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots,” the department said. Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene despite medical aid. DHS officials added that he did not have identification on him at the time of the confrontation.
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, noting that facts will be fully established through forensic review and video analysis. Authorities later released an image of a handgun they claim belonged to Pretti, described as possibly a Sig Sauer 9mm.
News of the shooting rapidly spread, triggering unrest near the scene. DHS said approximately 200 demonstrators flooded the area, obstructing law enforcement and hurling objects, including trash cans, at armored vehicles. Officers declared an unlawful assembly and deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said one officer suffered a severe hand injury after being bitten during the clashes.
The incident also drew a swift response from the White House. President Donald Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of fueling unrest with what he called dangerous rhetoric. In a social media post, Trump shared the image of the firearm and questioned why local police were not deployed to protect federal immigration officers.
Following the unrest, Gov. Walz authorized the National Guard to assist with security at the Whipple Building, a federal facility used by immigration authorities.
Secretary Noem said DHS will ensure a “full, transparent, and thorough investigation,” stressing that accountability and public safety remain top priorities as tensions surrounding immigration enforcement continue to rise nationwide.